Emily spent years in a high-pressure London marketing job, quietly living with complex PTSD she didn't know she had, and using alcohol to cope. When everything came to a head, her best mate staged an intervention, and Emily walked away from the career she'd built to start again, outdoors.
In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Emily shares her journey from breakdown to bushcraft ranger, rescuing seal pups in Ireland, adopting the stray dog who helped ground her through flashbacks, and becoming a drone pilot for Forestry England and head of drones for Lowland Rescue.
In this episode:
• Recognising complex PTSD, and how alcohol can mask it
• Why leaving a career isn't failing, it's a rebrand and a relaunch
• How nature and animals support recovery from trauma
• Losing her brother at 40, and why she no longer waits to live
• The reality of volunteering in search and rescue
• Spotting burnout early, and why her camper van is non-negotiable
• Ten years sober, and why your best years can come after 35
If you've ever felt stuck in a life that doesn't fit, or wondered whether it's too late to start again, this one's for you.
Don't miss the bonus episode, where Emily dares you to be audacious.
CONTENT NOTE
This episode includes discussion of complex PTSD, trauma including assault, alcohol dependency, suicide and bereavement.
If anything in this episode affects you, support is available:
• Samaritans: call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org
• Shout: text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7 text support)
• Mind: mind.org.uk
If you're in immediate danger, call 999.
LINKS
She Who Dares Wins: www.shewhodareswins.com
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