Karen Anderton

Wellbeing is Everything

Just over 9 years ago I was diagnosed with MS. It turned everything upside down for me…my health, marriage, work, friendships …my 5 year plan…my future. 

After a battery of tests to get to a diagnosis came the falling in to line with what had to be done. Big life changes. Adaptations to my day to day living. New medications to slow down progression which in turn dulled my spirit, energy, increased my pain and heightened my anxiety and depression. 

On the outside I looked ‘fine’ and ‘good’ and ‘well’ to everyone else. But those were the days I chose to leave the house. And even on those days I was a hollow being of the girl I once knew. 

My confidence diminished. Some of my friendships disappeared. My marriage ended. My career slowed right down. I had some decisions to make, serious life choices. Looking back I don’t know how I made them in the malaise. Every choice, every email, every phone call felt like climbing Everest. But thankfully I had amazing friends and family who kept listening to my dramas. What may have seemed straightforward and achievable to them was more difficult for me to navigate. I was grieving. My attention span was short. My energy depleted. But they kept me focused and on track with their encouragement. 

So I relocated. Totally shifted my work life balance. I haven’t looked back. 

It has been difficult to manage medication and all the side effects it brings but I can only manage it now in the life I have created far away from cities and commutes. Being by the sea in the countryside has brought me a new lease on life. There are days I’ve been very low but I know it’s exhaustion or chemically induced due to my meds. 

My doggies have always been my lifeline and have got me through the most difficult days, the lonely days, the painful days. 

When I came across the Walkies for Wellbeing Challenge I wanted to get involved. It came at the right time for me. I had a bad summer of pain with acute sciatica which has left me with nerve damage (hopefully temporary) so when I saw the challenge I thought I can manage that to try to get my fitness back. So I do this walk everyday with a limp, occasional pain and 3 numb toes. The motivation to get out there so others can receive the help they need through the amazing work the Samaritans do. I am grateful I can physically do the challenge so it’s my way of giving a little back. But the challenge has also been amazing for me. Each day I am getting a little stronger. Each day I am motivated to get out there and put in the time. Each day I am building a stronger bond with my doggie and hopefully making up for the missed walks during the Summer when I physically was unable to take her. Thankfully I have wonderful neighbours who took her for walks. 

This challenge has been an incredible experience for me and has brought nothing but positives. Thank you to all who are supporting me and to all the wonderful team at Samaritans for creating this challenge because Wellbeing is Everything.