05/05/2026
Just come across these photos from a trip to the Peak District in 2023! I forgot how beautiful the U.K. and countryside is wow…
I was actually going through a really dark time mentally in that year and was experiencing symptoms of PTSD after coming out of a narcissistic relationship. I was having panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and was not in control of my emotions or thoughts at all. The most terrifying feeling for me was not being in control of my mind and the terror I had daily I genuinely never thought it was going to leave me.
I look so happy here in these photos and my usual silly self but that just goes to show how well we can mask what is going on internally.
I will always have fond memories of this trip and the walks and nature I was surrounded by, I remember having so much fun and loved being on an adventure even if it meant hiking for 6 hours and getting lost in a thunderstorm. I remember my inner child felt so happy and as though it was being healed. I remember laughing so much until my stomach hurt and feeling so free and at the time this sort of trip was exactly what my soul needed. A change of environment and walking in the outdoors surrounded by the most beautiful views you could imagine, and so much green!
I remember not being able to trust myself or make simple everyday decisions and would get so overwhelmed by the smallest of things that did not even matter or make sense. I started disassociating with things and life because of my then distorted version of reality.
I’ve obviously come a long way since then in the last nearly 3 years and I am so thankful to look back and realise how much has changed and how much better I am now mentally as it honestly felt like a never-ending journey and I feel so much lighter now and free.
So if anyone else is also on a mental health journey I highly reccomend a trip in nature, a different environment to truly switch off and enjoy the adventure because it’ll help you more than you know! And maybe in a few years time you will be thanking yourself your took that trip too…