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Nature Heals

Trevor Parsons tells his personal story of how nature helped him to heal

Nature means so much to me. Sitting here, writing this blog, I can hear a blackbird giving a warning call, jackdaws tchack-tchacking before they roost and a wood pigeon’s soft echoing coo.  

But one call that’s particularly important to me is that of the cheeky robin. I owe that little feathered bundle of joy so much. Its angelic song switched a light on within me.

Back in 2013/14, due to work pressure and lack of sleep, I experienced a mental breakdown – my second. I spiralled into a deep depression, suffered with anxiety and paranoia and eventually was twice admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Poole.  

Throughout that difficult time, when I lost all my communication skills, the only thing that I truly remained connected to was nature, through my camera.

When dark thoughts were rushing around in my head – like a washing machine on a fast spin – staring through the lens of my camera, and focusing on that moment in time, helped me to focus my mind and those dark thoughts faded.  

To start with after my breakdown, I wasn’t allowed to drive, so I sat in my garden and took photos and walked to the Moors Valley Country Park – I even spotted otters occasionally! 

Two robins beak to beak on a branch, each with a mealworm in their beak

Robins © Trevor Parsons

Slowly, I began to get better, and listening to the robin’s song was the final piece of my jigsaw to recovery. I began driving again and exploring the countryside and more nature reserves – with my camera in tow. That time spent in nature, slowing down and focusing on wildlife, transformed my mental health. 

In 2019 I decided to tell my story to try to help others, and I had no idea just how far this would go! I’ve been lucky enough to share my story on Sky News, as a live talk at the Natural History Museum, in Countryfile magazine and I was even honoured to receive a letter from His Majesty The King! 

I truly believe that if you immerse yourself in nature, its healing powers are quite remarkable. It’s scientifically proven that nature has a positive impact on wellbeing, so if you’re going through a difficult time, try to spend time in nature. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to be able to identify wildlife. You don’t have to go to a special reserve. Try simply walking around your local park – there’s always something to see.  

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