Kris' Story
What are some struggles you've faced with your mental health?
Over the past few years I have struggled for the first time with mental health and a combination of solitude after lockdown.
As someone who lives, breathes and finds their peace hiking in the mountains, unfortunately my mental health struggles have impacted my ability to get out doing what I enjoy.
As desperate as I am to get out I really struggle to go and is really getting me down. I pack my things the day before and wake up early and get showered and ready and too many times I decide not to go and can even stay in bed all day.
I am working on this at the moment.
What do you do to keep you mental health in-check?
I find being out hiking doing what I enough really does help me. I thrive off long distance multi day hikes and they are what make me feel alive.
Even with all my struggles this year I have pushed to get out on new adventures with my most recently being completing the Tour Du Mont Blanc in just 5 days.
I think having something to focus on, a challenge and doing what you enjoy is the key. It makes me feel alive…it’s just the getting out in the first place which is tough for me.
Sharing with others has also helped me as this has led to many other people opening up and me seeing and hearing people improve themselves. It’s really rewarding.
What makes you feel most fulfilled?
Having a really supportive girlfriend who pushes and encourages me all the time to be my best self. Also, as above, being out pushing myself to complete a challenge - it really drives me.
What is something you're looking forward to doing?
I’m excited to get out back to winter hikes and camps as for me it’s my favourite time of the year to hike especially in the snow.
I'm also looking forward to solo hikes as well as with my girlfriend as we love our wild camping adventures.
I also have on my bucket list to do Everest Base Camp and will look at how I can make this possible next year.
What advice would you give to someone struggling with their mental health?
Talk to people and share what you’re going through. Admittedly I’m not really a talker but I’ve openly talked about my struggles though my YouTube videos.
It’s helped me as holds me accountable and have received some good support and encouragement from others.
Also if you’re struggling then find some friends or people to get out and about with. Don’t be on your own.
Talk, share and try to deal with your problems rather than bottling it up. It’s not easy but it’s doable 🤘🏼
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A huge thank you to Kris for being so open and honest about his struggles in this post. Check him out on instagram @gleavek and on Youtube @krisgleave to keep up with his latest adventures.
