On 14th May, I am going to jump out of a plane at approximately 15,000 feet, freefall through the air at around 120mph for approximately 60 seconds until the parachute is deployed at 5000 feet, when I will gently float down for about 4-5 minutes. (all whilst attached to a qualified instructor!)
The skydive itself lasts about 4-5 minutes, not including the flight, which is about 15 minutes. So the whole experience is about 20 minutes.
20 minutes. That's all.
For me, this is THE MOST challenging thing I have ever done. I am both excited and utterly terrified at the same time.
For many years I have lived with depression and anxiety. And its the anxiety that keeps me from doing so much. I will avoid certain situations if I know they will make me uncomfortable, or likely cause a panic attack.
Heights, crowds, small spaces, flying, dying - these are all things that I am afraid of. So doing a skydive pretty much covers a bucket of my fears!
So why am I putting myself through this, I hear you ask?
Firstly, I have decided its time to stop being afraid. I no longer want my mental illness to define me. I want to live my life, and do all the things that I would like to do, without being scared any more. My thinking is, if I can do this, I can do anything!
Secondly, it has actually been something I have always wanted to do, but never even thought possible, because of my fears and anxiety. Anxiety is something I battle with everyday, and I know so many other people are the same. Talking about it really does help, and to know that you are not alone in your struggles makes a big difference.
I am hoping that by doing this, I will also give other people who suffer the courage to face their fears too.
And of course, I want to raise lots of money for the Mental Health Foundation, who do so much work around raising Mental Health Awareness and prevention.
I would be so grateful if you could support me on my mission to face my fears, raise awareness around mental health, and donate money to my Just Giving page.
Any amount, however small or large. will be most gratefully received.
