Having just completed a year-long 3,000-mile sea kayaking adventure around the coast of Scotland, few understand the mental health benefits of the great outdoors as well as Nick Ray. However, having lived with severe depression for over 30 years and survived a suicide attempt, Nick also has first hand experience of life's darkest times.

Today though, he has amassed thousands of social media followers around the globe, all keen to join him for an open and honest conversation about mental health, and to share in the beauty and serenity of one man's sea kayaking adventures.

In this inspiring conversation, Nick tells us about the depression demon that follows his every move, the day he decided to jump off a ferry, the emotional reunion with the man who saved his life and the moments of magic that made his 60th-year adventure so special.

Show outline:

00:00:06 - 00:05:24: Introduction and coming up

00:05:26 - 00:10:38: Isle of Mull and writing

00:10:39 - 00:15:56: Growing up in Africa

00:15:57 - 00:24:23: Living with depression

00:24:24 - 00:28:38: Depression and relationships

00:28:39 - 00:35:28: Suicide attempt and meeting rescuer

00:35:29 - 00:44:23: Sea kayaking adventure begins

00:44:24 - 00:48:38: Living a simple life

00:48:39 - 00:55:38: Highlights of the trip and the future

Useful links:

• Find Nick on X: Nick Ray (@LifeAfloat) / X (twitter.com)

• Find Nick on Instagram: Instagram

• Find Nick on Facebook: Facebook

• Sources of Support for depression and suicidal thoughts:

• Samaritans: Samaritans is there for everyone, whatever they may be going through: Call 116 123 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

• Mind: Mind offers information and support to anyone living with a mental health problem or supporting someone who is: Call 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday-Friday, closed on bank holidays)

• CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably Charity offering advice and support, including lots of useful resources.:

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Full transcription:
Click HERE to read the full show transcript: https://thebravefront.blogspot.com/2023/12/ep-8-living-with-depression-and.html