Andy's Story

What are some struggles you've faced with your mental health?

About seven years ago, my life took a drastic turn. My wife and I suffered the devastating loss of a miscarriage, which left us both heart broken. Six months later, she left, and not long after, my dad was rushed into hospital for emergency surgery and was very unwell for a long time.

It felt like everything was unraveling at once, and I was overwhelmed by a deep sense of helplessness. Until that point, I never really knew how quickly life could shift from bright to dark. 

What do you do to keep you mental health in-check?

I find that when I prioritize my physical well-being then my mental wellbeing seems to be fine. I do this by maintaining a consistent sleep schedulee, eating healthy meals, and staying active.

Life is busier than ever with working long hours and having three kids, so carving out time for myself is essential. To recharge, I make it a point to go hiking or camping at least once a month, allowing me to step away from daily demands and reconnect with nature.

What makes you feel most fulfilled?

As much as I love being out in the mountains I'd say the thing that makes me feel most fulfilled is spending time with my kids. I work long hours through the week so weekends with them is quality time and if I can get out hiking or camping with them, that's even better!

What is something you're looking forward to doing?

I think it’s essential to have things in the calendar to look forward to. We tend to make plans about a year in advance, so there’s always something to look forward to.

One thing I’m particularly looking forward to is exploring more of Murcia, Spain. My parents have a place there, and the area is full of incredible hiking spots. 

What advice would you give to someone struggling with their mental health?

My advice to anyone struggling with mental health is to take a break from alcohol, it's more likely to make things worse. 

Spend more time outdoors to clear your mind, get some fresh air, exercise and vitamin D (when the sun decides to come out) 

Establish a routine focused on self care including regular sleep, balanced meals, and setting aside time to recharge. 

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A huge thank you to Andy for taking the time to write this and for being so open and vulnerable.

Follow along with his adventures on instagram @andy_0utdoors.