Cycling for Mental Health: August's Story

In honor of World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), let's take a minute to reflect on what helps, and who's helping. 

For me, talking to a friend, going to therapy, and being socially active help relax my mind. There is one commonality: each requires another person. It's a reminder that, in community, we support each other. 

Here’s a story of a person making a difference around mental health that inspired me. I hope it does the same for you!

Cycling for Others 

After the suicide of a close friend, 17-year-old August Bent cycled around The Netherlands to elevate the issue and raise money for mental health. As he went through the grieving process, he realized his bicycle was a way to support others who were struggling with depression. 

Although he's lived in the Netherlands since he was one year old, August attended British schools. "That’s where I met Ray at the beginning of senior school," he recalls. "We used to hang out together and kept in touch by Instagram and in other ways. I knew that Ray was struggling with their mental health and identity issues. But I didn’t know it was burdening them to that extent, that it would take that toll. It must have been worse than it seemed.”

August hopes he can reach others like Ray, who might not be reaching out.

With the support of his parents, teachers and community, this young man has cycled 140 kilometers (almost 87 miles) for this cause. “My dad accompanied me on the first day and my mum on the second. At one point, we had to shelter from the rain. We were soaking wet." Besides the weather, he also suffered a few injuries -- and has the scar to show for it. 

August raised more than €1,000 ($1,083) during his two-day ride. He decided to donate the funds to the "Healing the Mind" project, started by United Way the Netherlands to address pressing mental health needs of Ukrainian refugees. So far, the program has connected 360 refugees with counseling. And there are plans to expand.
 

It just shows how one person can make a difference on a big problem, if we connect with others.

If you want to find out how you can support mental health in your community, connect with your local United Way.