Page 14 - EGO Magazine January 2020

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Borth: A Space for Nature & Mental Health Monster

Wellbeing By Brogen Doyle By Nathan Jackson

EddieCloud / Shutterstock.com
i, I’m Nathan Jackson
and I’m campaigning
for the mental
health crisis to be
taken seriously in
Heducation. I’d love to
see compulsory sessions added to the
school curriculum that talk about mental
health and provide the necessary toolkits
to ensure a healthy mind. Suicide is the
biggest cause of morality in people under
15 years of age and mental health issues
affect roughly 1 in 10 young people. Surely
it is time to educate young people on
these problems. We teach physical health
through PE sessions, why can’t we do the
same for mental health?
In terms of inspiration, I have seen
how many people have struggled with
their mental health and have relied on
a therapist to point them in the right
direction. As well as how mental illness
can really shake a family - In August of
2018, my uncle Stephen lost his battle
with mental illness at the ripe age of 29.
The pain, the sadness and, perhaps more
here is so much to see in with Spring. The days draw in as the Healthy body, healthy mind! personally, the guilt is still raw today. If
the little village of Borth, moodiness of Autumn and Winter arrive, It has also been acknowledged time we all had the necessary toolkits, maybe
including a contrast of when leaves fall and colours fade. after time that nature has a positive Stephen’s story could have continued.
views and the sounds of Whatever my mood might be, there is impact on our mental health. So, Maybe the ache to the left of our chests
nature. You can enjoy the a walk that I can go on: through the sand however you interact with Mother wouldn’t be there.
Tbeach and village life, and dunes, along the bank of the river or up Nature, hopefully she will enable you to I see mental illness as this monster
absorb the sounds and levels of activity and around the monument. A sociable feel grounded and uplifted. that people seem to be running away
that change from season to season. walk along the narrow High Street or For those of you who do spend part from. But for how much longer can we
In Borth, nature provides a treasure when the tide is out, a peaceful walk of your working week inside, like me, I keep running? We need to fight this
chest of scenery and experiences that along the vast isolation of the shoreline, hope that you are fortunate enough to monster and this starts with education.
overwhelm the senses and lift the spirits. on the beach where the forest of Cantre’r have access to a part of the world that Visit @MHealthMonster on Facebook
I am very much aware of nature and Gwaelod lies submerged. has such spectacular outdoor space, and Twitter for more information and
the different seasons: the ever-changing New research has shown that like Borth. For me, being based here is to sign the petition. You have the power
colours of the mountains, the burst children’s wellbeing can benefit from priceless. to provide young people with the mental
of life and the brightness that comes spending time connecting with nature. Wishing you well for 2020. health education they need.

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