Great Walks looks at why bushwalking is so good for your mental health.
"We all experience mental health issues at some point in life and for some of us a major event occurs that leaves us with a diagnosed mental illness. This is what happened to me following a violent incident at work – I developed anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Nature and hiking has always been a panacea for troubles in my life and feeling so unwell mentally I decided to lose myself in the beautiful wilderness of Victoria's Wilson’s Prom in an attempt to bring some sanity back to my broken mind.
Arriving at Telegraph Saddle carpark to start our journey we were greeted with beautiful sunny weather, which was an auspicious start to our adventure. It’s always nice to start a hike downhill as you get used to your heavy pack and long strides. The track took us through lush forests, giving me the opportunity to practice mindfulness by taking the time to feel my feet on the ground, hear the sounds of the birds, stop and examine the beauty of wildflowers.
A welcome tea stop at Telegraph junction and a brisk hike to Roaring Meg’s campsite brought me a sense of peace and quiet. The nights were bitterly cold and the site was in the trees, so a bit damp. Sleep has been difficult since my mental health decline and being in a tent was no cure for insomnia. However, the simplicity of the forest was soothing and I woke the next morning with a surprising enthusiasm for the adventure ahead.
We headed off up the small track en route to the famous Wilson’s Promontory light station. Walking on the small track alongside the ocean was spectacular and soon the lighthouse came into sight – it was glowing white in the stark sunshine and drawing us near with every step.
Leaving our bags at the intersection we walked up to the lighthouse with its welcome toilets and drinking water taps. The smell of soap passed us by as hikers who had the luxury of hot showers walked past. Standing atop the lighthouse mound we could see all the small islands in the distance, diamonds danced on the ocean and the magnificent gardens of the cottages reminded me of a Cornish pub garden.
Alas, when we got back to our packs the clever blackbirds had unzipped our bags and eaten our chocolate digestive biscuits almost enough to send the whole group into a mental health crisis!
The day continued through forests and hills, valleys and gullies until finally the most spectacular white beach emerged from between the trees. The sand was pure white and the sea a vivid turquoise; edged with verdant green bushland it was a scene from a secret paradise. It’s these all absorbing moments that push aside our troubled minds.
Spending the night in Little Waterloo Bay was a perfect setting for a weary group, the night was even colder and our sleeping bags were put to the test. Mild anxiety appeared from nowhere during the night and wrapped itself around my cold tired body.
The next morning our group split up, half went north to finish the very long day up to Sealers Cove and back to the carpark. My son and I decided to enjoy the beach and have a leisurely hike (5hr) back to the carpark via a peaceful path through the swamps and over the sand dunes. We took the time to stop for tea and experience the joy of peace and quiet in the wilderness.
Special time with my son really was the best medicine for my mental illness. Still the journey to recovery continues as our journey over Wilson’s Promontory concluded."
Words_F Owens
For more info on Wilsons Prom click here. For info on mental health visit Beyond Blue.