Pete's Story
What are some struggles you've faced with your mental health?
I'm generally someone who is an optimist, who has a big mental capacity for things good and bad. I work to process my emotions around the time that they're happening and unpack them to understand them. However, mental health can still affect people like me, and I'm no different. I find my hardest times are when I'm overwhelmed, perhaps at a time of crisis or conflict. In those situations I tend to close myself off and try to power through, which is damaging to those around me, and the mental cost of doing that is damaging too. There have been times this year where I've found myself crying, with no apparent cause, my usual optimism dull, negative and absent. It happens when I'm alone.
What do you do to keep you mental health in-check?
Try to acknowledge how I'm feeling and process it. That's not always easy, and if I don't feel that I can process how I'm feeling - try to do something that will take some of the burden off my mind. For me that's often going outdoors, being in the fresh air, nature, the sun, the rain and the endorphins that come with that. It doesn't wash away everything in my mind, but it makes some space to breathe, and then when I'm ready, I talk about how I'm feeling.
What makes you feel most fulfilled?
Long hikes, enjoying all the time I can outside in the world that we come from.
What is something you're looking forward to doing?
I'm looking forward to being outdoors in the autumn and winter months. I adore the colder time of year and some of my best memories outside have been solo and with friends in the magical cold air, frost and fallen leaves. I find my mental health is best in this period of the year and I'm really looking forward to enjoying that time again.
What advice would you give to someone struggling with their mental health?
Try your best to be vulnerable, even just to yourself. Try not to listen to the shame and stigma around suffering in silence - instead try to shine a light on how you're feeling and try and talk about it. Processing how you're feeling is a powerful tool for survival - please use it.
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Thank you so much to Pete for taking the time to write this. I hope it gives you all something to think about.
Follow along with his adventures on instagram @hike.outside.
