Kyle's Story
What are some struggles you've faced with your mental health?
When I was younger I used to spend my weekends drinking alcohol & partying for the full weekend and it got to the point I hated the person I was becoming, I hated drinking. I only did it because all my friends would be doing it & I felt I had to. It made me feel so low in confidence, I was anxious at the thought of going out.
I felt I was becoming socially awkward, but during lockdown I became a dad & that totally changed my life, it gave me a reason to stop it and focus on myself to become the best dad I could be. That’s when I started hiking and I’ve not looked back since, I’ve gained so much confidence and learned so much about myself.
What do you do to keep you mental health in-check?
I like to keep myself busy but most importantly just getting out hiking. The past couple of years it’s had a massive impact on my life, I absolutely love the challenges it’s brings & the sense of achievement you get after it.
I love travelling through the highlands of Scotland - I feel I can totally shut off & have nothing on my mind. I always come back from any road trip up north or hikes feeling refreshed & stress free.
And, of course, spending time with my son.
What makes you feel most fulfilled?
Spending time in the hills whether it being solo or with friends, having a laugh, completing challenges and bettering myself.
However, the most the fulfilling feeling for me is just seeing my wee boy happy.
What is something you're looking forward to doing?
The thing I’m most looking forward to is completing the munros, I’m currently half way through them & I am hoping to have them finished in the next 2/3 years. It’s taken me 3 years & a lot of commitment to get to this point, so I’m looking forward to completing - but also don’t want the journey to end. I’m also looking forward to more adventures with my wee boy & hopefully bag some munros with him.
What advice would you give to someone struggling with their mental health?
- Reach out & talk to friends & family.
- Set yourself goals & challenges, even the simplest of things, tidying up, making your bed (these are small wins that’ll lead to bigger wins)
- Prioritise getting outside, I’m not saying go climb the biggest hills in the UK but definitely get out short walks through forests, small hills & build up to bigger hills if that’s what you want to do!
- Stay away from the things that make you feel low
- Stay close to people that want to see you do well & challenge you to become the best version of yourself, this has made a massive impact on my life.
- Always be yourself, do what makes YOU happy.
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A huge thank you to Kyle for taking the time to write this post.
It's amazing what becoming a parent can do!
Keep up with Kyle's adventures as he tries to complete the Munros over on instagram @kylechristie_hikes.
