Around 2000/01, I was on the verge of suicide. Today I lead a life that I could never have imagined possible while I was battling depression and anxiety.

My mission is to spread the message that life is worth fighting for, that it is never too late and that anything is possible, for anyone.

I am Helena Bourdillon.  I have battled chronic depression and currently freedive to depths of -79m, with 3 World Records in CMAS Masters Category 1 and 16 National Records for depth.  So far, I have represented GB at the World Championships five times.

Born in 1974, my motto is “Daring to Inspire” with the message of survival, resilience and hope.  When I’m not in the water, I speak of my journey to positive mental health, incorporating the knowledge and skills I learned during my recovery process, enhanced further through my freediving expertise and how these methods can easily translate into healthier and higher performance in life and business (without the need to hold your breath!)

I am also a certified Buteyko Clinic and Oxygen Advantage Advanced Instructor, helping those who see the value in working to improve their health and general performance: from Long Covid sufferers to CEOs, performance athletes, people who struggle with anxiety and panic attacks to those just wanting to feel and do better at life.  By returning to and building upon the fundamentals of good breathing practice we improve our mental and physical baseline health as well as our focus, performance and endurance.