Scaling Peaks and Battling Blues: Ross Cunningham’s Journey
I know myself. There's people who sit feeling like that and won't talk about it, and hearing the likes of yourself and my other guests and stuff opening up about how they felt will hopefully normalise the fact that it is okay to have down Days, it is okay to be depressed, it is okay.
Ever thought climbing mountains could be a remedy for depression? In this episode of 'The Other Brother Podcast', host Ross Clark sits down with Ross Cunningham, who found solace and strength in the Scottish Highlands. Cunningham opens up about his struggle with depression, sharing how he leaned on friends and professionals to find his way out of the darkness. He passionately advocates for normalizing mental health conversations, urging everyone to speak up about their struggles.
Beyond his personal story, Cunningham delves into his love for St. Johnstone Football Club, which provided a beacon of hope during his tough times. He also talks about the Munro Bagging Challenge, a personal quest to climb all of Scotland's Munros, which became a therapeutic journey for him. Through his Mountain and Minds campaign, Cunningham is pushing for mental health awareness in the great outdoors, highlighting the healing power of nature.
He also discusses the challenges faced by urban dwellers in accessing nature and his efforts to address these issues in cross-party groups in Scotland. By the end of the chat, you'll be inspired to lace up your boots and explore Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, while also feeling empowered to speak openly about mental health. If you're on your own mental health journey or supporting someone who is, this episode offers both inspiration and practical advice.