Amelia Le Brun, Adventure Photographer

Head image.jpg

“Being outside hiking helps keep me healthy and sane”

My life love of adventuring developed at an early age. As children we were lucky enough to grow up travelling the world, and as one of four children I constantly had friends and playmates wherever we lived. When we moved to Scotland my father (a Colonel in the British Army) used to take us on ‘expeditions’, over mountains, through the streams and forests of the Highlands; armed always with a big bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk for morale.

More recently I have suffered with crippling mental health issues, ranging from depression to anxiety to an eating disorder. You know that feeling when you think your brain may explode at any minute? Like it’s so full of information, emotions and worry. All of the things you can’t find an outlet for, or perhaps don’t even know how to. I’ve known that feeling for the past eight years. I’ve also had my fair share of releases; 99% of them unhealthy. I’ve tried drinking, smoking, severe self-harm, restricting food and running away from every problem I had.

second image.jpg

It was like I had forgotten everything I loved. The depression ate me up inside. It turned me into someone I not only didn’t recognise, but didn’t like either. I put my family and friends through hell, I retreated into myself, I was nasty, difficult, sullen, stubborn, so confused and so lonely.

Now I’m able to look back and see how far I have come. I am kinder to myself, more forgiving and more accepting of how I feel on my bad days. More recently I have been channelling my energy and emotions back into healthier outlets. The mountains, coastline, hillside. There is no doubt that being outside with my camera, hiking and road tripping are some of the things that keep me sane and healthy.


 
tagline.png
 

GET SUPPORT

While being in nature can help you manage your mental health, if you’re struggling to control your thoughts and feelings There are lots of sources of support and treatments available.

  • If you are at risk of harming yourself, seek help immediately. You can call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to A&E.

  • Samaritans (available 24/7), samaritans.org, phone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

  • Your GP, or out of hours phone 111

  • Mind the Mental Health Charity, mind.org.uk/information-support, Mind Infoline 0300 123 3393, email info@mind.org.uk or text 86463

  • Hub of Hope, a national mental health database, bringing help and support together in one place, hubofhope.co.uk

Hope Elkins