Deadlift Against Depression
We are asking everyone to stand together against depression on December 21st, and do it holding a barbell, as we Deadlift Against Depression.
This year we have a mental health emergency.
It's estimated that over half a million additional people in the UK alone will require mental health services at a time when access to them is harder than ever. With up to a 24 month wait for NHS services like cognitive behavioural therapy, many are reliant on charities already stretched to their limits. Many in our community have also been negatively impacted by the closure of gyms and suicide remains the largest killer of men under 45.
So let's get ourselves back on track, support our gyms & help out the charities getting stuck in on the frontline of mental health.
The challenge is simple, try and raise as much as you can and get as many people lifting as you can:
1. Set a personal deadlift target (max or reps, you set it!) for yourself to complete on December 21st (any time is fine!)
2. Using JustGiving (ours or your own) or any other means of collection, raise as much as you can for CALM & MIND charities (or any other mental health charity that you want to support)
3. Rally up as many people to participate in the challenge as possible to make the biggest impact. Share your progress in the run up online and support others
4. On December 21st post your challenge to instagram with your current total raised, your lift total & #deadliftagainstdepression & tag @descendedfromodin to be shared
5. For extra impact, download the ‘Descended from Odin’ community app from apple or android stores & subscribe, your subscription will be added to our donation total & if you post your achievement there on the 21st, you will receive a special prize too!
Given current restrictions, work with your gym and with your fellow lifters to help them comply with regulations if they wish.
Why the deadlift?
Deadlifting is a fundamental & accessible movement pattern that can be completed from anywhere from an assisted bodyweight lift to a 500kg beast lift. It can be completed in a distanced environment and with basic & accessible equipment. The lift is also possible to perform for disabled athletes and many wheelchair users can complete seated deadlift movements.
Where can I donate?
You can create your own page or use this one I've made on JustGiving, I've personally chosen CALM for this one.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/deadliftagainstdepressioncalm
Where can I learn more about the charities?
https://www.mind.org.uk/
https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Can I raise for another charity?
Yes, absolutely. Please try to keep it mental health themed and select charities that support all people and are supportive of the benefits of exercise as supported by science.
Good luck! #deadliftagainstdepression