Adventurer, Hill Walker and Book Lover…
M A R I E
W Y N N
Hi Marie, can you tell us a little bit about you?
Hi I'm Marie a mum of two children under 10. I work between a Tourist Attraction in Keswick two days a week and running my own Usborne Book pop up children's bookshop in schools nurseries and local country fairs. I actively promote positive mental health and getting outdoors in primary schools using resources from Usborne's range of mental Health books and Outdoor Books.
I have always been into the outdoors from teenage years attending PGL activity holidays to assisting young adults with learning difficulties learn to canoe. I was lucky enough in 2005 to move to Cumbria and the Lake District National Park is my back garden and playground which keeps me busy with exploring new fells, the coast and wild camping.
Do you consider yourself to have any mental health issues?
Through my childhood I witnessed and lived with domestic violence. Alongside a parent who suffered major traumatic breakdowns which led to said parent being sectioned for their own safety. As a young child I had nobody to talk to about this, no books to read to help me overcome what I had seen. I have been fortunate not to suffer from anxiety on a major level but I do feel there have been periods in my life that this could have got out of control. I do believe I have an eating disorder where I gain comfort in eating a lot of food which makes my weight shoot up very quickly if I am not on the ball with it.
How do you think getting outside improves mental health?
I find there are many positives of getting outside for improving Mental Health.
For my own experience I love to meet new people, listen to their stories. For this reason I have started to attend some new wellness walks. They have been especially organised for women to have a safe environment to meet others who want to get outside, explore, motivate and inspire others.
When I'm outdoors I tend not to think about food so much so it's great that I'm not stuffing my face with anything I can find in the cupboards.
Has someone ever initiated a conversation about their mental health with you and if so, can you tell me a little bit about this?
Yes just the other day a local mum, who comes across as having all her ducks in line, shared with me that she is struggling with the past year of lockdown, not being able to play her favourite sport, meet up with friends and family. Lots of things swimming around in her mind that she struggles to sleep at night.
Do you have a favourite place to go when you need some downtime, if so where?
I love to go into the outdoors, to be with people. I don't really get on with just my own company so I'm really happy to spend some time going out walking, paddling, wild camping and just talking and listening.
Finally – What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where all your food and water needs were taken care of?
Family - husband and children (but ask me this again in 10 years!)
Best friend - Eli
