Hike to Heal with Zoe Upson

We had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Zoe Upson, who is embarking on a life-changing campaign called "Hike to Heal" (#hiketoheal) to support CALM and raise awareness about male suicide. Find out more in this blog.

Dave Ramsay

6/16/20233 min read

At #namhp we strive to bring you inspiring conversations that shed light on important mental health issues. In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Zoe Upson, who is embarking on a life-changing campaign called Hike to Heal (#hiketoheal). In this blog, we encourage you to watch the YouTube video of our conversation and discover the power behind Zoe's mission to raise awareness about male suicide, as well as look at some of the links here to:

Zoe is a beacon of inspiration, embodying strength, compassion, and resilience. She has taken on the monumental challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro, not only to raise valuable funds for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), but also to shine a spotlight on the pressing issue of male suicide. Zoe's dedication to this cause is deeply personal, as she honours her dear friend Rob, whose life was tragically lost to suicide.

During her appearance in episode 5, Zoe spoke with incredible passion and unwavering honesty. Her genuine desire to help others was palpable. Zoe's hope was simple: to touch the life of just one person who may be going through their own mental health struggles.

Hike to Heal: Starting a Movement…

Through her campaign, #hiketoheal, Zoe aims to ignite a movement that encourages people to embrace nature and spend time outdoors in more exciting ways. Engaging with the natural world, whether alone or in the company of others, has been proven to have a positive impact on mental well-being. Zoe seeks to promote positive mental health practices and support individuals in their journey towards wellness and open conversation.

Zoe's efforts are focused on supporting CALM, a remarkable charity that is the Campaign Against Living Miserably. By supporting CALM, Zoe and the #hiketoheal campaign aim to ensure that individuals in need receive the help they deserve, preventing them from reaching the point of crisis.

Check out CALM here
Some Alarming Statistics

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Office for National Statistics (ONS UK), suicide remains a significant global issue.

  • Suicide claims the lives of more than 700,000 people each year [1].

  • Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among all 15 to 29 years olds [1] and twice as many men die by suicide as females [3].

  • Men account for approximately 75% of all suicides in the UK [2].

  • For every 1 suicide, there are another 20 attempts of suicide [4].

  • Social and cultural factors often contribute to the higher rates of male suicide. Traditional notions of masculinity may discourage men from seeking help or expressing their emotions, leading to increased vulnerability [1].

  • Men who experience mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, are less likely to seek professional support compared to women [5].

  • Stigma surrounding mental health, societal expectations, and the pressure to appear strong and self-reliant can create significant barriers for men in accessing the care they need [5].

  • Only 38 countries report having a national suicide prevention strategy [1].

These statistics paint a sobering picture of the challenges faced by men in relation to mental health and suicide. It underscores the urgency of Zoe Upson's campaign, "Hike to Heal," as she strives to break down barriers, spark conversation, and promote a supportive environment for men's mental well-being. Of course all of this does not negate the issue of female suicide, which is just as important, we are simply focussing on the core of Zoe's campaign.

Overall

We invite you to join us on this journey by watching the YouTube video below featuring Zoe Upson. Discover the inspiring story behind her dedication, the importance of raising awareness about male suicide, and the significant role getting active, and conversation plays in fostering positive mental well-being.

Together, let's support Zoe's mission and make a difference in the fight against suicide. Remember, one conversation, one step, one act of kindness can change a life. Also make sure you visit Zoe's Just Giving page if you want to donate to her cause: I'm fundraising for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - JustGiving

References