Fitness saved my life, help me pass on the gift

Hi I'm Sarah, I experience Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

From January 2023, I will be taking part in 4 events with the hope of raising money for the not-for-profit charity that I created, to help disadvantaged women access fitness for their mental health.

The 4 events are:

~ Armadale Champion Lakes Sprint Triathlon (750m swim, 25km bike, 5km run)

~ Virtual Rottnest Channel Swim - solo attempt (20km)

~ HBF Run for a Reason Half Marathon (21km)

~ Perth Running Festival Marathon (42km)

For every km during the swim, and the two runs that I endure (83km in total), I am hoping to raise $500 for the Foundation so that money can be raised for:

~ Insurance and other administration costs

~ Mental health training for volunteers

~ Hiring of venue

~ Other costs incurred during the set-up phase

~ Allowing the Foundation to start classes safely and effectively in March 2024

Why contribute to this cause?

"Women are leaders, mentors, mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, aunties, grandmas and friends. They are our confidants, our teachers and keepers of knowledge" - National Mental Health Commission, Australian Government, 2022.

Approximately 1 in 6 women experience Depression in their lifetime, and 1 in 3 women experience anxiety. In 2020-21, women were more likely to experience high or very high levels of psychological distress than men. With women experiencing higher levels of PTSD and eating disorders.

In 2021, there were 786 reported cases of death by suicide in women in Australia.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2021:

~ the Suicide rate increased by 5% compared to the previous year.

~ Suicide was the 24th leading cause of death for females.

~ the median age for females was 42 years.

~ females aged 50-54 years had the highest female age-specific suicide rate and accounted for nearly 10% of suicides of females

(Crisis Support numbers at the bottom of page)

Although women report mental health issues more readily than men, the prevalence and increase in severity of mental health issues in women at this current time, post-pandemic, is cause for concern.

These statistics are alarming.

What else can be done to assist women with mental health issues, other than the standard practices of medication and talking therapies?

There is a wealth of journal research that suggests that there is a positive correlation between the use of exercise and improved mental health.

I have first-hand experience with this. Seventeen years ago, fitness saved my life.

After a terrible bout of mental ill health, I had lost my identity. However, in the challenge of trying to improve my health and lose weight, came the pivotal life-changing event that put me on a path that I could never have imagined possible.

Attending a group fitness class, changed my view of what the potential of my life could be. It gave me a gift that I now want to share with other women.

This is the reason why the Sarah Ford Foundation was established in 2021.

In 2023, I will shout louder than ever about women's mental health and it is my mission to raise awareness about the work of the Foundation.

In March 2024, it is my goal to start classes and give women who may be in a similarly desperate position to me, hope and support, so that they may find health and healing.

Access to the Foundation with be strictly by referral only. This service will be available through GP surgeries, counsellors, and clinical psychologists.

I am currently studying my Master of Medical and Health Science at Edith Cowan University, researching at greater depth the link between women's mental health and fitness. It is my goal to encourage GP's use fitness as something adjunct to other traditional treatments, and something that they write on prescription pads!

Do you want to join me in making a difference?

If you find it in your heart to give, please donate what you can.

Every donation is gratefully received and could potentially save one life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, your support matters!

Much love,

Sarah

CRISIS SUPPORT NUMBERS:

24 hours, 7 days

Lifeline: 13 11 14 

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800

The legal details:

S Ford Incorporated trading as the Sarah Ford Foundation

IARN: A1040385X

ABN: 66495354126

Charitable Collections Licence No: CC23013

Currently working towards admission to the Australian Not-for-Profit and Charities Commission (ACNC)