Speakers' Bureau volunteer talks about the importance of excercise to good mental health

Shift Speakers' Bureau volunteer Stuart was interviewed for Walk magazine. He talks about his reaction on being told at the age of 27 that he had bipolar disorder and how outdoor activities and challenges such as cycling and walking are vital to his wellbeing.

Article text:

To mark Mental Health Action Week (23-29 March), walk spoke to Stuart Skinner about how extreme outdoor challenges, such as trekking the Appalachian Trail, help him cope with manic depression

"I now feel glad to be alive"

I’ve travelled a long way since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder four years ago — both literally and metaphorically. I started having problems with depression and stress during my teens, so I knew there was something different about me. But it wasn’t until I saw a programme about manic depression presented by Stephen Fry, who has the condition himself, that I realised what was going on. I saw the doctor soon after and was prescribed various medications. I was 27 at the time and it was quite a blow at first because I knew then that this was something I’d have to deal with for the rest of my life and, for a while, I sunk into a deep low. I lost my job, my long-term girlfriend, ended up thousands of pounds in debt and, worse of all, I almost lost all hope of a better future.

I’m lucky to have the support of some really great friends, and one of them said something to me that really helped. “Stuart,” he said, “I know you can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel right now but, trust me, it is there.” His words struck a chord and from then on I clung to the hope that things would turn around for me, however bleak and hopeless it all seemed.

Then I had a call from another friend. He was just finishing volunteer service in the Philippines and was planning a 4,000-mile cycling tour across Southeast Asia. He mentioned he was looking for someone to join him. I was totally out of shape at the time but something made me volunteer and a few Weeks later I was out there on my bike.

It was tough, but I did it. What’s more, I really enjoyed it. Since then I haven’t stopped. I’ve taken on many challenges including a 170-mile canoe race in Belize and cycling the 1,200 miles from john O’Groats to Land’s End. I’ve learned that being active in the open air improves my confidence, and my health, makes me more sociable, and is a massive help in managing my illness.

From March to April last year, I took on my longest journey so far. I walked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in the US: from Georgia’s Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin in Maine — 2,178 miles in total. It was amazing. I had everything I needed with me on my back and that gave me a tremendous sense of freedom and independence. I met so many friendly, interesting, inspiring people along the way and received so many kindnesses, from shared snacks to people putting me up in hotels overnight. An experience like that really makes you feel glad to be alive.

Another thing I’ve gained over the last few years is a great appreciation of the British countryside. When I was younger, I used to give Britain a bit of a hard time. But travelling has made me realise how beautiful the countryside is, as well as how many fantastic trails We have access to. I’ve had life-changing adventures overseas but, I have to say, in terms of scenery nothing’s come close to the trails I know along the South West coast, near my home in Weymouth.

Since I got back from the Appalachian Trail, I’ve been taking courses to learn bushcraft and survival skills. In the future I hope to set up a centre for young people with mental health problems, where they can learn about how exercise in the outdoors can help them like it’s helped me.

I try to go out for a walk every day. Sometimes it’s just for a short stroll, but enough to kick in those feel-good chemicals your brain produces when you exercise, and it always makes me feel better. I’m also starting up a walking group for people with mental health problems in South Dorset. Going out with a group is great because it makes it more social and you can sort the logistics together with carpooling and things like that. Plus it makes it a lot easier for people who haven’t walked much before. I’d recommend it to anyone.

Listen to a podcast with Stuart and read his biog at www.walkmag.co.uk/people