Maddy Reid

Why i’m walking one foot forward

This October, I’m taking on the 40km One Foot Forward walk for the Black Dog Institute. For me, this isn’t just about walking 40 kilometres. It’s about walking for the parts of my life that have been shaped by mental health, and for the people who know what it’s like to struggle silently. My own mental health journey has been complicated. I’ve had moments where I genuinely haven’t wanted to be here anymore. I live with recurrent suicidal ideation, and I’ve also attempted to take my own life. That’s not something I share lightly, but it’s a part of my story, and I believe that talking about these things openly can help break down some of the stigma that surrounds suicide and mental illness. There have been times when simply getting through the day has felt incredibly hard. Times when my mind has been a difficult and frightening place to be. I’ve had to learn, sometimes over and over again, that asking for help isn’t weakness. That reaching out matters. And that sometimes, surviving the day is an achievement in itself. I also know how powerful it can be when someone checks in, listens without judgement, or reminds you that you don’t have to carry everything on your own. That’s why this walk means so much to me. Every kilometre is a reminder that mental health deserves to be talked about openly. That suicide prevention matters. That checking in on the people we love matters. And that even when life feels impossibly heavy, taking one small step forward still counts. So this month, I’m putting one foot in front of the other — literally. 40 kilometres for mental health. 40 kilometres for suicide prevention. 40 kilometres for everyone who has ever felt like they couldn’t keep going. And 40 kilometres for the part of me that is still here. I’m walking because I’m still here. And I’m walking for anyone who needs the reminder that they don’t have to face their darkest moments alone. If you’d like to support me, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every donation helps support the Black Dog Institute’s work in mental health research and suicide prevention. And if you’re struggling yourself right now, please reach out to someone. You don’t have to have the right words. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Keep putting one foot forward. Even if today, that’s all you can manage. 💙 Share