On 14th May 2022, I am going to throw myself out of a plane! 

Actually, I will be securely strapped to a qualified instructor who I am putting my complete faith in they know what they are doing!

So why am I doing this?

For many years now I have lived with depression and anxiety.

Depression has a habit of sneaking up when things start to get on top me. It only takes a few triggers, and I can be sent into a tailspin. Thankfully this doesn't happen too frequently, but when it does, its hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But from experience, I have found that there always is. 

Anxiety however plagues me on a daily basis. The analogy of the devil and angel on your shoulder is a pretty good way to sum up my internal dialogue. That little devil is always chattering about things that could go wrong, and likes to point out my faults and failures. He reminds me regularly of all the things I am not good at, and tells me I can't do things because I am afraid.

When I think about it, I am afraid of a lot.

Dying, flying, heights, small spaces, crowds, failure, sprouting eyes on potatoes...….the list goes on! 

The worst thing is, these fears stop me from having great experiences. I would avoid a trip into London for fear of having  panic attack on the train. Trips anywhere that involve trains and tunnels are avoided, unless absolutely essential, and have to be strategically planned to avoid busy periods.

And as for planes, plummeting from the sky in a confined space with no means of escape, packed in with loads of people is enough to send me running for the hills!

I purposely haven't renewed my passport, which expired 10 years ago, so I wont be able to get on a plane.

I would LOVE to go to a festival, but never have because I am afraid of the crowds.

At the start of this year, I decided that 2022 was the year I was going to stop being afraid. I am going to face my fears head on! I do not want my mental illness to define me.

And what better way to tackle a lot of my fears in one, than to do a skydive!

It is for these reasons that I am passionate about raising awareness for people with mental health problems. I am all about helping people to relax with mindful activities, particularly through art - which is my other passion. As an artist, I find painting so helpful to give my mind a rest. It is a way of expressing yourself without words - because sometimes there are no words that can describe how you feel.   

The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s charity for everyone’s mental health.With prevention at the heart of what they do, the Mental Health Foundation aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.

Thankyou for reading my story.

Please help me raise money for this great cause. Any donation however small will be greatly received.

I will be posting regular updates about my Skydive Journey here and on website blog https://www.stephaniefisherartist.com/blog