Claudia Davy

I'm swimming to save lives

Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in Australia.

This March, I’m swimming 31km at Mildura Waves indoor pool. I plan to swim 2km each session and I welcome anyone to come along for a lap or 80 at whatever pace. 

For me, I have learnt to enjoy swimming as a mindful practice of focusing on slow paced breathing, counting  strokes and looking around the pool floor. Like the mindfulness that I encourage within my profession as a mental health clinician, swimming mindfully has taken time, practice, and most importantly, learning the life changing realisation that you don't hold your breath - you EXHALE under water!! 

This feels relatable to life and struggling with mental health challenges. At times I "held my breath" by suppressing my pain. In these moments, I was not "exhaling", I was trying to survive with the limited knowledge I had. 

At age 18, I spontaneously got a tattoo on my ribs saying "Inhale the future,  exhale the past". It resonates more and more the older I get! 

Let's let go, let's pause and exhale deeply together.  Let's raise awareness, educate, and support those of us navigating the waves of mental health conditions. 

I am proud to be doing the work I once dreamed of but never thought possible!

Please donate to ReachOut using my link and/or come jump in the pool with me to swim or spectate, I welcome encouraging feedback! 🏊‍♀️ 💙

By sponsoring my challenge, you’ll be helping to prevent youth suicide. ReachOut provides anonymous, free and 100% online services so young people can find a safe place to connect, share and get help when life feels overwhelming.