In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Bailey Seamer, an extraordinary individual who undertook a 14-month, 5,000km hike along Australia's East Coast, from Wilsons Promontory to Cape York, all in the name of mental health advocacy. Bailey's story is one of resilience, determination, and hope, as she uses her journey to raise awareness and support for mental health issues.

Diagnosed with a major depressive disorder at just 14, Bailey has faced significant challenges, including managing an all-consuming mental illness and dealing with the impact of bi-polar disorder. Despite these obstacles, she found solace and strength in walking, which became a crucial part of her healing journey. Her decision to embark on this monumental hike was driven by a desire to advocate for mental health, share her story, and demonstrate that even in the face of adversity, one can achieve incredible feats.

Throughout her journey, Bailey encountered numerous challenges, from managing her mental health on the trail to dealing with the physical demands of such an extensive hike. She shares insights into her experiences, the support she received from family and strangers alike, and the lessons she learned along the way. Bailey's journey is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult the path may seem, there is always hope, support, and the possibility of overcoming life's greatest challenges.

Tune in to hear Bailey's incredible story, learn about her mental health advocacy efforts, and be inspired by her unwavering determination to make a difference.

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Show notes

Who is Bailey
Hiking the East Coast of Australia
Her mental health journey
Being diagnosed at 14 with a major depressive disorder
Being supported by her family
Managing an all consuming mental illness
Having to leave university and move back home
Bi-polar disorder?
Making the decision to go into a mental health hospital
Being in a really bad place
Walking home 30k from the hospital
Feeling proud of herself
Why walking became a really important part of her healing journey
ECT - Electric Convulsive Therapy
Having the idea to walk the East Coast
Feeling a sadness and frustration and not knowing if she would be ok
The Black Dog Institute
Sharing her ideas with people
Finding people’s criticism, very helpful in her planning process.
Not being taken seriously at first and doing something about it
Why it was such an important leaning stage
Being taken seriously and starting to take herself seriously as well
Managing her bi-polar disorder while on the walk
Why medication is an important part of her health care routine
Having a bad day and what that can look like
Wanting to be able to pinpoint the problem
Dealing with a spectrum of emotions
Understanding the difference between, ‘I can’t’ and ‘I don’t want to’
Tantrum Time Out for 7 mins
Putting small rocks in her shoes…. A physical way of reframing the situation
Creating a pocket of pleasure in her day
Being alone while on the walk
Making a decision by yourself
Reflecting back on previous situations
Paying for the challenge
The kindness of strangers
Reflecting back on the journey and some of the main memories from the experience
Waking up with a fox in her tent!
Adventure blues
Planning a trip to Rio to go to Carnival
Not walking a huge amount
What she wanted people to take away from her walk
Why you are not alone if you are suffering from mental health
Letting people know that there is support available and that there is no shame in asking for help
Breaking things down and taking it one step at a time
How to connect with Bailey online and find out more about her journey
Final words of advice
Why everything will pass
Nothing in this life is permanent

Social Media

Website: wandering-minds.org

Instagram: @wandering_minds_walk

Facebook: @wanderingmindswalk

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