“Mental health has only raised its head over the last few years. I didn’t realise that my own mental health and wellbeing were at risk and that depression had landed at my doorstep – and it took others to make me realise that there was an issue.
“In my experience, it brought along a whole bunch of other problems – lack of self-esteem, waiting for the next catastrophe to happen, being on the defensive constantly regarding self-preservation – the list goes on and on.
“When depression hit me, I was working in aviation, and I hid it by masking it with work activities. I was in a very stressful environment, but that helped me deal with the depression, or at least, I thought so. I did not have time to contemplate and reflect on what had happened and was still happening to me.
“My father died when I was just 12 years old; this was later followed by the passing of my mother and sister in quick succession. There have been other significant traumatic instances in my life. It has only been in recent years that I have realised the need to unpack each of these instances as ultimately, they were responsible for my mental health decline. I have learned to deal with each issue by finding reasons why they transpired, finding peace within myself, and forgiving others.”
Lewis has been part of Team NWAS since September 2022 after being made redundant in the aviation industry during the pandemic. He said, “The aviation industry was fast-paced, and I liked it, but I wanted to find a job that could equal its intensity. Taking emergency calls seemed a perfect fit for me.”
Through all of this, Lewis realised that he needed something to help him relax. Using his aviation industry experience and harnessing his desire to fly gliders, he proactively decided to get his license.
Lewis continues, “Gliding has offered me many benefits for my own mental health and wellbeing. It generally provides a unique sense of tranquillity and inner peace. For me, being up in the air, away from the stresses of life, helps promote relaxation. I also find that the focus required for piloting a glider helps to clear my mind and provides a sense of mental clarity and focus.
“Learning to glide and mastering these skills provides me a feeling of accomplishment that boosts my self-esteem and confidence. For me, it is a valuable activity for promoting and dealing with my own mental wellbeing. It has offered a unique combination of physical activity, mental challenges, and being able to find peace within myself.
“Of course, gliding is ‘not a prescription for a cure,’ but it goes a long way to help me reset daily. It’ll take some time to put these demons to bed, but looking down on them from 5000 feet seems to empower me. It reminds me that I control my life – not others, nor circumstances.”
If you are struggling or feeling low, here’s a reminder of some important numbers that could help you:
Samaritans – Call: 116 123 – 24/7
Text Shout to 85258 – 24/7
CALM – Call: 0800 58 58 58 – web chat 5pm to midnight every day
PAPYRUS Hopeline247 – Call: 0800 068 4141 or text: 88247 – 24/7
Mind Infoline – Call: 0300 123 3393 – 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).