Adventurer, Engineer and mental health advocate
GEORGINA
JACKSON
Tell me a little bit about you…
I’m Gee, one half of 2Travlrs. With my partner Andy and our cat, Kathmandu. During the week I’m an aerospace engineer, but on the weekends I’m a total self-confessed weekend warrior! I love to explore in our DIY campervan, hiking, running, cycling, paddling, and climbing wherever and whenever I can! I’m also passionate about the environment and being plant-based, and love spending time in my garden, cultivating a safe haven for wildlife as well as delicious food for us to eat.
Do you consider yourself to have any mental health issues?
In 2014, two years after my mother passed away, I was diagnosed with high functioning, rapid cycling bipolar disorder. As part of this I also deal with anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts.
How do you think getting outside improves mental health?
For me, getting outside and getting active has a massive calming effect. Being an engineer, it’s easy to back this up with scientific research, but honestly the results speak for themselves. Outdoor exercise improves my happiness, energises me in a positive way, and is a stress reliever.
Has someone ever initiated a conversation about their mental health with you and if so, can you tell me a little bit about this?
My job is a leadership role, and with strong mental health experiences myself, I am passionate about placing an emphasis on my team members being human beings first, and employees second. I regularly check in with my team and on numerous occasions, the simple question of ‘how are you doing today?’ has been extremely powerful.
Do you have a favourite place to go when you need some downtime, if so where?
I don’t have a specific favourite place to go when I need some downtime, but I do feel a certain pull to both the beach and the mountains. Being in the hills has left me feeling totally refreshed and revitalised every single time without fail, whilst being at the beach (a quiet one!) has a profound effect of reflection and nostalgia, that can really help me to accept things and find some closure.
Finally – What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a desert island where all your food and water needs were taken care of?
I would take my kindle, so that I had infinite learning opportunities and universes available to me, and a snorkel, so that I could befriend the fish.
Read all about the adventures of 2Travlrs and Kathmandhu the Adventure Cat here…
Check out their Ordnance Survey Get Outside Profile too