Like many others, local fitness trainer Aimee Sinclair was nominated on Facebook to be part of the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge in support of mental health awareness.
Sinclair was nominated by local photographer and CrossFit member, Kelly Holinshead, who says mental health is dear to her heart.
“I was excited to be a part of this challenge as mental health awareness is near and dear to me too,” Sinclair said. “Not only because I suffer but many people near and dear to me do as well. You never know how someone feels behind their smile and what they are going through behind closed doors. Many hide it every day.”
The challenge required participants to film themselves doing 25 push-ups each day for 25 days, post the video, and nominate someone else to take part.
“If we all stood up in a crowd to represent who suffers from a branch of the encompassing list that is mental health, not many would remain seated,” said Sinclair. “I hurt when I know others are hurting. I want to end their inner pain.”
Doing the push up challenge was a way for Sinclair to show how many people really do support mental health awareness. “I reached out to members of Aimee Sinclair Fitness and asked who would like to be a part of the 25 day push-up challenge for mental health so I could make a video to show the support from our community. Quickly I had responses from many. That speaks volumes.” Among those who responded to her call to participate were: Alison Dumont, Tracey & Barry Young, Carol & Terry Koumouijian, Lee-anne Holley, Erica McLellan, Leslie Pratt, Jackie Riley, Mary-Ann Hartman, Cheyenne Wood, Skye Laura, Susan Bartley-Brown, Erika Karen, Aimee Prentice, and Payton Sinclair.
Sinclair wants to spread the words “you are not alone” and bring awareness to support those suffering in silence from mental illness. “You wouldn’t know that the person you ran into at the store and just spoke with could barely get out of bed this morning to even get dressed, let alone face the day,” said Sinclair. “That the person that just smiled at you in passing has high anxiety and suffer from panic attacks to the point they almost pass out regularly. You don’t know that your neighbour may cry every day because of how sad they are because when you see them they put on a fake smile and wave a happy hello. People are embarrassed to show they are feeling these emotions… together we can continue to help one another through knowledge, kindness, awareness and a judgement-free space.”
If you also participated in the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge, tell us about your experience in the comments below.
In addition to bringing more mental health awareness to the community, Sinclair wanted to give back in another way. On Saturday, May 23, Sinclair taught a by-donation workout class on Facebook Live, with proceeds going to The Table Food Bank.
“I was blown away yet again by the kindness and support of our community. So proud to live here! So much kindness with a crisis like COVID-19 taking place,” said Sinclair.
She dropped off the $550 raised to The Table on May 27.
“I had the opportunity to meet the incredible volunteers through social distancing,” she said. “What an incredible group of people. Thank you to each of them for helping people in our community every week.”
Aimee Sinclair drops off a donation at The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation (supplied)
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Day 21 of the 25 Day Pushup Challenge for me.
I was asked to participate and I have been more than happy to contribute to raise awareness for Mental Health and PTSD. The encouragement I have received and the messages I get help to propel me to the next day.
Many friends and family have come forward to relay that they suffer. They find the videos helpful and inspiring. My overall message for everyone is that we understand, we need to be respectful, we care.
Thank you so much to Aimee and all her amazing friends for raising mental health awareness. Her words regarding the universality of mental health disability are very true: 20% of the general population live with it in some form.
Just a brief word about what is largely an invisible disability: if we do not educate others about our lives and our disabilities; the stigma will never decline. Personally, I always self-identify, and if anybody wants to hear more, I’m happy to do so. It always surprises me how readily people seem to accept the news.
It’s a small thing; but an important way to help both yourself and others.