Claire Bowes (24), from Lucan, experienced her first panic attack in the latter part of 2017, which led to frequent anxiety for a few months.  She didn’t know what to do or how she was going to cope, but then discovered Mental Health Ireland, and as well as finding their resources helpful, also allowed her to talk to and share her experience with other young people.  It also helped her to talk about her situation with her friends, and found that some of her friends also had similar experiences.

Having taken part in the Mini Marathon for the past seven years, she is taking part this year to support Mental Health Ireland.  As well as raising funds, she hopes that taking part will allow her to talk more to her friends and family about mental health and how it has impacted on her personally.

Claire also talks about mental health on her YouTube channel, Active Spuds.  Check it out at https://bit.ly/1GsLQ2j and follow her Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon journey.