What Jamie Laing's ultra-marathon teaches us about our mental health

Like the rest of the nation, I've been drawn into the incredible journey of Jamie's five ultra-marathons in five days - where he's covered a whopping 150 miles and raised more than 2 million pounds for Comic Relief. Unsurprisngingly, his resilience, determination and both physical and mental strength have inspired thousands of us. Watching his perseverance in the face of exhaustion is a strong reminder that we can all push the barriers to what we often believe is possible. As a therapist, I like to look into the lessons we can take from others experiences and achievements, so below are some of the key takeaways to help us build our mental resilience and wellbeing:

• Progress Over Perfection - Jamie has been open about his struggles with anxiety, particularly in his 20s. He described his ultra-marathon as a metaphor for mental health - 'putting one foot in front of the other even when the journey feels impossible'. Despite having trained for only two months (far less than the recommended 1 year for a challenge like this), he pushed forward with grit determination. This teaches us that we don’t need ideal conditions to start improving our mental health - starting is often more important than waiting for the "perfect" conditions​.

• Support Systems Matter - Throughout his run, he was cheered on by friends, family and supporters both in person and online. His wife, Sophie and fellow BBC Radio 1 presenters joined in to provide encouragement. This highlights a crucial mental health reminder: we don’t have to face our struggles alone. Reaching out to loved ones, joining support groups, or seeking professional help can make an immense difference to our wellbeing.

  
  

• Helping Others Can Help Us Too - Jamie's ultra-marathon wasn’t just about personal achievement - it was about raising money for Comic Relief and supporting those in need. He noted that focusing on a greater cause helped him push through pain and exhaustion. Similarly, mental health professionals such as myself would often emphasise that helping others can improve our own wellbeing. Volunteering, supporting friends or simply contributing positively to a community can be powerful ways to shift our focus from our personal struggles.

• Resilience is Built, Not Born - There were moments where Jamie admitted he felt broken and doubted whether he could continue. Yet, he did. Resilience isn’t an inherent trait - it’s developed through experience, perseverance and mindset. Just as he learned to push forward in his run, we can apply the same principles to our mental health journeys - one small step at a time, we can keep moving forward.

Whether you're training for a physical challenge or not, these reminders are important to us all and can apply to all kinds of experiences. If you're struggling, reach out, take small steps and remember - you're not alone in your journey. You are braver than you think.

If you've enjoyed reading this blog please remember to like, share with friends and leave a comment. To read a similar blog on Simone Biles success and mental health, click here.

Information taken from various articles, The Sun, The Independant, Bbc News.