She found healing in hiking after attempting to end her life. Now, she's campaigning to help others

WARNING: This story contains details of attempted suicide.

Hiking is a therapeutic activity for Niamh Sullivan of St. John's.

It serves as a break from the outside pressures, and a tool that has helped her through her mental health journey. Now, she's planning her biggest hike yet to raise money for others who are struggling.

Sullivan, 20, is preparing to walk the entirety of Newfoundland's East Coast Trail — all 336 kilometres of it — to raise money for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

"Hiking is something that has always been… a source of, like, just getting away from the real world," she told CBC News. 

"[Mental health], it's so essential but it's so underfunded. And people are on a wait list for years, and people die waiting to get help."

Sullivan said she's endured a lifelong struggle with her mental health, which she says almost cost her her life this March.

"It got so bad… I attempted to end my life," she said. "I don't want anybody to have to ever do what I did."

WATCH | Niamh Sullivan shares parts of her mental health journey with the CBC's Jeremy Eaton: 

This St. John's woman is raising money and awareness for mental health by taking on 336 km of the East Coast Trail

6 months ago

Duration 6:32

20-year-old Niamh Sullivan of St. John's has found healing in hiking, and is getting ready for her biggest hike yet. Three months after an attempt to end her life, she's preparing to hike the entire East Coast Trail beginning in August while raising money for the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction. A warning, this video does discuss suicide.

After being bed bound in the weeks that followed, Sullivan said she found comfort in the outdoors. She started with small walks, and has since resumed her love for hiking, rock climbing and running.

She also aims to run the Tely 10 road race later this month, and has signed up for the Royal Victoria Marathon in British Columbia this October.

She shares her journey — along with her struggles — on Instagram, and hopes being open can inspire others to speak up or not suffer in silence.

"To hear other people be so open about their stories, it encourages other people to start talking about it. And a lot of times people don't talk about it, and it ends badly [because] nobody knew," she said.

"Don't be afraid of judgment. There's always help."

Sullivan plans to begin the hike on Aug. 14, and estimates it will take between 15 and 16 days.

Although her family thought her idea was a long shot, she says they've been nothing but supportive.

"I never thought that I would actually be able to do it," she said. "But as I have gained more experience, I think it is doable for me. And it's also if I'm raising money for something that I'm passionate about, it's a double win."

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.

• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

• This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.

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