Too Inspired to Be Tired! 365 to Stay Alive Challenge for PTSD UK
Mike Lamb, a below knee amputee from Manchester is already 4 weeks into his challenge to walk 10km every day for a year to help raise awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and fundraise for PTSD UK.
Mike was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) 2 years ago and decided to do this challenge which will see him walk over 2,263 miles over the course of the year to raise awareness of PTSD and to promote the power of self-help and efficacy, to help promote good positive mental health.
Complex PTSD is a condition which some people develop after experiencing multiple, sustained, or repeated traumas such as physical health issues, events experienced in employment where you repeatedly encounter distressing scenes, military service, childhood abuse, domestic abuse and caring for a loved one with a complex medical condition.
It’s estimated that in any given week in the UK, 4 in 100 people have PTSD – this equates to 2,612,000 people in the UK, yet it’s still an incredibly misunderstood, and still relatively unknown condition.
Mike is hoping to raise awareness of PTSD and C-PTSD by completing his 10km every day for a year challenge, ‘I feel that PTSD is not recognised as being such a debilitating condition, which can seriously affect and destroy individuals and families’ lives, without the appropriate and timely support. “I believe that if I can commit to walking 10km a day as a below knee amputee with diabetes, then it might inspire others to take on a challenge of their own too – I’ve always loved walking, and this challenge really helps me get back out every day”.
“PTSD has drastically changed mine and my families lives for ever. I’ve been to some very dark places in my head, so I know what it’s like. If I can help just one person, it will all have been worth it”.
Jacqui Suttie, Founder and CEO of PTSD UK added “We’re in awe of Mike and his dedication to this challenge. We know that Mike will inspire so many people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD and help them see what is possible, that there is hope and even set themselves a similar challenge too!
Additionally, the fundraising that Mike is doing allows us to help support many more people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD, so we’re incredibly grateful to Mike and his family for their support.”
Not only have Mike’s friends and family rallied around him to support his challenge, but local businesses are encouraged to get involved and support this great cause and event.
If you’d like to support Mike by way of sponsorship, many of his loved ones are committing to a monthly donation to keep him motivated, or you can add a one-off donation on his fundraising page
You can donate to Mike’s JustGiving page by clicking here
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Treatments for PTSD
It is possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help. For some, the first step may be watchful waiting, then exploring therapeutic options such as individual or group therapy – but the main treatment options in the UK are psychological treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting and understanding your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD. You can find out more in the links below, or here.