Staff stories for World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day. Nature has been proven to be one of the most effective tools for maintaining mental health and wellbeing, so today we're going to share a few stories from our staff about when they've had their spirits lifted by the natural world.

Paul Turner, Forsinard Flows Warden

You would think that being a warden on our largest RSPB Scotland nature reserve I would be outside all the time, but unfortunately the reality of the modern work environment means that even wardens are not immune to emails, phone calls, meetings, reports, more meetings etc. I became a warden after making a career change from the IT sector and so all this time trapped in the office eventually catches up with me and I start to feel pretty claustrophobic when stuck inside. Luckily for me I also get to work in the vastness of the Flow Country and it always amazes me just how rejuvenated I can feel after short periods out of doors in nature. Fresh air and a change of perspective can often help me to face that next email or meeting.

Vicky Phillips, Health, Safety and Environment Advisor

I have recently been lucky enough to spend some time in Scotland, I was able to take some time out just for me, with no expectations on my time and it was so restorative. I went for long walks and just took the time to sit and be with nature, I could have sat watching the Dippers for hours by the riverside. Being outside in nature quietens my mind and soothes my anxiety, nothing else matters in that moment. Scotland’s nature is truly therapeutic and we are so lucky to be able to enjoy all it has to offer.

Ian McNab, Communications Officer

A few years ago I was having a bad time with my depression. One day in a previous job, I was tasked with visiting a site that involved walking through a beautiful oak woodland on Loch Lomond. Having spent weeks feeling trapped in my own head, it was only once I reached the end of the woods that I realised I hadn’t thought about my depression once since I arrived. I had been too busy marvelling at the vast array of colours in the autumn leaves. While the experience didn’t cure my depression, it helped me realise that there can be beauty and respite in life no matter how tough things get.

Our next story comes from a staff member who'd prefer to remain anonymous

I work in the wildlife crime investigations team, so I spend a lot of time dealing with reports of dead or injured birds of prey. Being able to watch vast skeins of pink-footed geese and flocks of curlew coming down on to the Forth mudflats from my office window, and taking time to notice the change of seasons on my walks along the Fife Coastal Path, helps to bring much-needed positivity when I’m struggling with the often upsetting nature of the job.

Nick Tomalin, New Forest Conservation Officer

One of the benefits of working for the RSPB is that you get to take a four-week sabbatical after five years. Although you can do this in a variety of different ways, for me it's always been about getting away from the routine, stepping outside my usual work programme, and recharging my batteries. I see it as a chance to discover somewhere new and to reconnect with nature. For my last two sabbaticals I have visited Scotland; firstly to North Uist to survey bumblebees, and lately to Orkney to survey seabirds and waders. I've chosen to visit beautiful landscapes and simply enjoy wildlife watching wherever possible. I don't want to spend this time checking emails or answering calls, and so I choose to return to my humble beginnings as an ornithologist. It reminds me why I began a career in conservation and how much better it makes me feel being outside, as well as taking away some of the stresses of daily life. We can't all have long trips away, but we can all take time out from daily life to refresh, reset and reinvigorate. Make time for the things that will help you: a walk during lunchtime, taking a call outside, a jog or a weekend away. Enjoy the natural world in whatever way reduces your stress, allows you some headspace, or gives you comfort.