Mental Health talk with expedition leader John Bathgate

Thank you all for your kind and inspirational comments! Great having such great friends.

John you are literally the strongest and most inspirational pal I know, or I thought I knew. Hearing you say these things is eye opening and it shows how much of a front people put up on the daily, while something else entirely is on the inside. I hope your words can guide your friends through the tough time of their own, those who you know struggle and those you don't. I have been in the shit with panic and anxiety for a long time now and at some point you just become fed up coming up with excuses to get out of doing things so you can avoid leaving the house alltogether and even your best friends and family make you nervous. Yesterday was really tough and out of my comfort zone even when surrounded by close friends and friendly people. But hearing from a tough looking forester that he's been coping with the same over the last year really got me through the day. I won some and lost some but generally feel like I fought my battle yesterday instead of laying down out of fear and staying home. Talking about it does help. Hearing it from cool, tough people who look like they give zero shits helps. We forget we constantly compare our worst self to others best social media image and it can be soul destroying. We love you and hope you find what you're after

Very brave video. I really encourage you to talk and keep talking. Never be discouraged.

John, I am sure many can relate in someway. If they can't I am sure it will help explain a friends actions/changes. We can all do something we can make sure we can listen, we can make sure our friends know they can talk openly an without judgment. We can be caring and good human! I really hope that as you undertake your journy for a different life, the world you visit on the Summit to the sea helps you reconnect with yourself and genuine happiness again. Thank you for sharing!

I can absolutely relate to the dull sensation of life, unable to feel happiness, always waiting for that morning where you wake up and feel 'normal' again. We've had 2 male suicides in our family, both men under the age of 30. Men are put under so much pressure to stay strong and keep quiet and all it does is isolate them from the support they need. So brave of you to share your struggles and no doubt will help to normalise this taboo subject.

Thanks John for sharing, I’m hovering around the same point in my life, I’m glad I’ve discovered your epic trip. Inspirational to hear you reveal your struggles and what enables you to start to thrive.