Hi there , welcome to Walking-with-a-purpose.com

When I started this website a couple of years ago, it was focused on getting me to the Appalachian trail,to walk for suicide awareness and for my own Mental health . 

Well Feb 27th 2026, I set out from Springer Mountain, North Bound on the Appalachian trail.

My first mistake, I started sick. I vomited all the way from Kentucky to Georgia, and even the next day, I wasn't feeling great. But the rental car had to be back, and I had no choice but to try. So I took off, hiking, and feeling horrible. That night in the shelter, my stomach wasn't done with me, and let's just say, I lost some clothes. 

But I decided to keep going. Trying my best to get my body to adapt to the altitude,the thin mountain air, and the rugged terrain. 

I went as far as I could, every sip of water just hit my stomach and came right back up and out. I couldn't eat anything while I hiked. So I just became weaker and couldn't go on. The fear of injury was real, as my legs felt like Jell-O after a while , and sharp rocks are hidden under leaf litter everywhere. 

So I decided to come home, and shift gears .

From the beginning,I've wanted to grow Walking with a purpose into something bigger... I want it to be a place people can come to for help. Where they can get information without ridicule, and understanding without shame. 

Now I've added some new ideas ... Not only do I want to take people in need, on weekend camping/ survival retreats, I want to teach Shinrin Yoku " forest bathing" to help improve mental and overall health.

I'm currently taking classes, and can't wait to be able to share this knowledge with others .

I will also be doing guided day hikes, weekend camping and  survival skills excursions. 

I can't wait to be able to take what I know and help others. 

Here is some great Information on how Nature , Shinrin Yoku, Camping and learning survival skills can help cure depression and anxiety and improve mental and physical health . 

(This information was generated by AI... Using chat GPT)

Reconnecting with the Earth—through practices like Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), hiking, camping, and wilderness skills—is not just spiritual or philosophical.

A large and growing body of research in neuroscience, psychology, and physiology shows that time in natural environments directly changes the brain and body systems involved in depression and anxiety.

Below is a comprehensive scientific explanation of how and why nature can literally “rewire” a depressed brain.

A1. What Depression Does to the Brain
To understand how nature helps, you first need to understand what depression does biologically.
Major depression is associated with changes in several brain systems:

Overactive Stress System
Depression often involves chronic activation of the HPA axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis), which produces the stress hormone cortisol.
Long-term high cortisol:
damages hippocampal neurons
disrupts sleep cycles
reduces emotional regulation
increases inflammation

2. Reduced Neurotransmitters
Depression is linked to lower levels of:
Serotonin (mood stability)
Dopamine (motivation and reward)
Oxytocin (connection and bonding)

3. Brain Structure Changes
Brain imaging shows:
Reduced hippocampus volume
Overactive amygdala (fear center)
Underactive prefrontal cortex (decision-making and emotional regulation)

4. Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation
Depression is also associated with chronic inflammation and altered immune function.

B2. How Nature Reverses These Changes
Nature exposure affects multiple biological systems simultaneously, which is why it can feel so powerful.

2.1 It Reduces Cortisol and the Stress Response
Forest environments significantly lower stress hormones.
A meta-analysis of forest-bathing studies found salivary cortisol levels consistently dropped in forest environments compared with urban environments. �
PubMed

Research shows:
cortisol drops 12–16% within 15–40 minutes of forest immersion
sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) nervous activity decreases
parasympathetic (“rest-and-heal”) activity increases. �
Health Crunch
This shift moves the body from survival mode to healing mode.

2.2 It Increases Serotonin and Other Mood Chemicals
Studies show that forest bathing increases serotonin levels, improves sleep, and reduces fatigue—changes associated with reduced depressive symptoms. �
PubMed
Other research shows increases in:
Oxytocin (connection, safety)
IGF-1 (neuroplasticity)
positive mood states. �
PubMed
These chemicals directly counter the neurochemical imbalances seen in depression.

2.3 It Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system has two modes:
Sympathetic
fight or flight
anxiety
vigilance
Parasympathetic
rest and repair
healing
emotional balance
Forest immersion increases parasympathetic activity by ~55% while reducing stress-response activity. �
Health Crunch
This is why people often feel deep calm after time in the woods.

3. Forest Environments Contain Biologically Active Compounds
Trees release natural chemicals called phytoncides.
These compounds:
boost immune cell activity
reduce inflammation
calm the nervous system
Simply breathing forest air exposes the body to these compounds, which researchers believe contributes to the measurable physiological effects of forest bathing. �
Health Crunch
This is one reason forests often produce stronger effects than urban parks.

4. Nature Restores Cognitive Function
Another major mechanism is explained by a psychological model called Attention Restoration Theory.
Modern life constantly demands directed attention:
phones
work
traffic
noise
social media
This exhausts the brain.

Natural environments instead engage soft fascination:
wind in trees
water flow
bird movement
rustling leaves
This allows the prefrontal cortex to recover, improving:
attention
creativity
memory
emotional regulation. �

BrainFacts
5. Movement in Nature Multiplies the Benefits
Hiking and wilderness activity combine several therapeutic mechanisms at once:
Physical exercise
Exercise alone increases:
dopamine
serotonin
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Sensory immersion
Nature activates all five senses:
smell of soil and trees
sunlight exposure
natural soundscapes
visual complexity
Cognitive reset
Nature environments reduce rumination (the repetitive negative thinking common in depression).

6. Wilderness Skills Increase Psychological Resilience
Learning survival skills provides additional mental health benefits:
Self-efficacy

Learning skills like:
fire building
navigation
shelter building
foraging
creates mastery experiences, which psychologists know are one of the strongest antidotes to depression.
Agency and control

Depression often involves learned helplessness.

Survival training reverses this by reinforcing:
competence
independence
adaptability
Identity transformation
People begin to see themselves not as:
“depressed” but as:
capable
resilient
connected to the land.

7. Sunlight Resets Brain Chemistry
Outdoor exposure increases:
Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels are strongly linked with depression.
Circadian rhythm regulation
Natural sunlight regulates the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus, improving sleep cycles.
Better sleep leads to:
improved mood
better emotional processing
stronger cognitive function.

8. Social Connection in Nature
Group hiking or guided wilderness experiences improve mental health through:
shared hardship
group cooperation
storytelling
collective accomplishment
Humans evolved as tribal outdoor mammals, and many psychologists believe modern environments disrupt this evolutionary baseline.

9. How Much Nature Is Needed?
Studies suggest surprisingly small amounts can help.
Research involving ~20,000 people found that about 120 minutes per week in nature is associated with better health and wellbeing. �
Tom's Guide
Some guidelines recommend:
20-5-3 rule
20 minutes in nature, 3x weekly
5 hours monthly in deeper nature
3 days yearly fully immersed in wilderness. �
Tom's Guide

10. Why This Can Feel “Life-Changing”
When someone consistently spends time in nature, multiple biological systems improve simultaneously:
System
Effect
Stress hormones
decrease
Serotonin
increase
Oxytocin
increase
Inflammation
decrease
Sleep quality
improve
Immune function
strengthen
Cognitive clarity
increase
Mood
improve
This system-wide reset is why people often report dramatic emotional changes after extended hiking trips or wilderness immersion.

11. Why Hiking and Long Wilderness Trips Are Especially Powerful
Extended hiking (like long-distance trails) adds additional therapeutic factors:
prolonged screen detox
daily sunlight exposure
rhythmic walking meditation
reduced decision fatigue
deep immersion in natural soundscapes
Over weeks or months, these conditions can reshape habits, thought patterns, and emotional responses.

12. Why Many Therapists Now Use “Nature Therapy”
Nature-based therapy programs are growing worldwide, including:
forest therapy programs
wilderness therapy for depression
outdoor trauma recovery programs
These are now considered legitimate complementary treatments in mental health research.

The Big Picture
Humans evolved for millions of years in natural environments, but modern life has moved us indoors, into artificial light, constant stimulation, and chronic stress.
Nature exposure essentially returns the nervous system to the environment it evolved for.
The result is not mystical — it’s biological.
✅ Lower stress hormones
✅ Balanced brain chemistry
✅ Improved immune function
✅ Restored attention and cognition
✅ Increased resilience and self-confidence
All of these together can help rewire the depressed brain toward health.

I hope that with this information, once I'm up and running and able to lead Forest Bathing, Hiking /camping/ and survival skills excursions, that you will look me up and join one of my classes/ excursions.

Together we can beat depression, stop suicide and help everyone who suffers from mental health issues, by reconnecting with nature and finding our true path on earth. Helping one another,one breath at a time. 

God Bless, can't wait to see where this goes .

March 9th 2026

Hey everyone, so I tried to walk the AT. But I made some fatal errors along my short lived journey. But I sure learned a lot in a short period of time.

Biggest mistake, was trying to hike sick.  I got horribly sick on the way to Georgia, and should have turned around and went home.

Instead, I decided to go ahead and start my hike , unwell.  My body revolted against me the entire time. I couldn't eat, and every sip of water just hit my stomach and came right back out while i was hiking.  I had to make the choice to get off the trail, come home, regroup, work on lighter gear, and go back at this in a year or so.

For now, I will be working on loosing even more weight, and working hard on my stamina.   

Also am going to shift gears a bit and work on my outdoor survival skills. I'm truly hoping to lead some weekend hikes and excursions for those battling mental health issues, depression and suicidal tendencies.

So please keep an eye out for up coming excursions.

I'm also going to be training to apply for the television show Alone.

I'm still doing all of this to raise awareness about suicide and the lack of mental health care here in the USA.

Please continue to support our mission. Donations are always welcome, and will be used to put together hikes for those in need of some Nature therapy.

If you or someone you know is suffering and need someone to talk to , please call 988.  Or search for other Mental health resources in your area. 

 

 

FEBUARY 17TH 2026.... 8 DAYS TO GO BEFORE I LEAVE FOR GEORGIA.

10 DAYS TO GO BEFORE I START THE APPROACH TRAIL FROM AMACALOLA FALLS GEORGIA.

LETS GO!!!!! 

I First want to thank everyone who has donated to my Appalachian trail trip. Without your help, I would never have been able to make this dream a reality.

Second , I want to Honor all the lives lost to suicide every single day... there are more names than I could ever list, more lives lost to this tragic epidemic that plagues people without bias, without care for anyone left behind.

In the most recent surveys, approximately 135 people a day take their own lives in the United States every day.  That equates to one person every 11 minutes.  Worldwide, the numbers are approximately 2000 people every day that take their own lives, which equates to more than 720,000 people who commit suicide each year, which is an average of one death every 40 to 45 seconds. 

The only way this stops, is with better Mental health care, better insurance and cost-efficient care for all people.  We need to stop the stigma placed on those with mental health issues.  We need to stand together and unite for the betterment of all lives, for all people. Having depression should not be a death sentence. We need better screening, better understanding, more people who care about everyone, and who are educated to look for signs of mental health issues and help guide people to the proper treatments.

Together we can fight for what's right, and we can help bring people out of the darkness.  I'm truly hoping I can spread the word while on the Appalachian trail... and I hope you will all follow my journey and help me get to Mt. Katahdin . 

I truly hope once I'm done with this epic journey, that I can help get other suicide survivors and people battling with mental health issues, out into nature, and show them how hiking, and being outdoors can help heal their minds and hearts and lives.

I ask if you can still donate to make sure I have enough money to make it through the entire 6 month journey. I'm sure eventually i will need to buy smaller clothes. 

there is still the go fund me,

or you can donate directly to my cashapp or venmo

cashapp $GoddessMorgaineBBW

Venmo Michele-Boone_18

There is also still a tshirt sale if you're interested in buy a shirt.

All information for fundrainsing is listed below.

I will update on Youtube and Facebook, and will update the website once i make it home again.

 

 

Thank you all for your support.!   Appalachian Trail, here I come.

 

 I

 

 

4 Months ,27 days to go. Ahhhhh. 

The fundraiser event went OK. The turnout wasn't very good but we made.the best of it.  I'm still about $400 from my goal. I'm sure I will get there before February. 

I want to thank all the people and places that donated food, time and talents.

Brett Eastburn and Corey Mann for the great comedy show.

Papa Johns, Pizza Hut and Bourbon St. pizza for the donations. 

Bob's Country Store, North Liberty Indiana

The North Liberty VFW, North Liberty Indiana

My friends that Donated food.  Kristi, Linda, Germ, Rhonda, Nick, Brenda, Lori and Dawn.

My Wife Mary...not just for making some food, but for supporting me in this insane endeavor I'm on. I know I'm difficult to live with, and for that I'm sorry. But thanks for loving me and supporting me anyways.

I still have the gofund me going, and also you can donate directly to my cash app account $GoddessMorgaineBBW 

This past.month has been Suicide Awareness month, I pray that we can all work together to help stop the epidemic of suicide.  I thank everyone who has helped me along this journey. I am very luck to have to support and love of such good people.

The countdown is on...Appalachian trail or Bust.

newest update:

July 14th 2025:

WE HAVE A VENUE, DATE AND TIME!!!!

SEPTEMBER 27TH 2025

NORTH LIBERTY INDIANA VFW

6-11 PM

$20 a Ticket, plus 5 resupply list items.

We have local Celebrity and World-Renowned Comedian Brett Eastburn and special guest doing a comedy show

you can find out more about Brett at Brett Eastburn – No Boundaries

(Looking for local Musicians or a DJ to donate a couple hours of their time

We will also have Raffles and Food, and much more.

I'm also looking for donated food to serve.

and if you have a small business and would like to donate an item to the raffle, you and your business will be mentioned on my YouTube channel, and in any thanks given for help received, be it on social media or otherwise.

I will also list all donators of anything received, on this page.

I know without your help I can't make this happen, so I want to show you all the appreciation I can. Because without all of you, I can't do this. Together we can make a difference in the live of suicide survivors and those struggling with mental health.

Please contact me either through fb messenger or text my phone 574-302-5998

Also , I am still taking names of victims and survivors of suicide. Please contact me if you have a name you want added to the list.

Please keep watching for new updates.  They will be coming in much faster the closer we get to March 1st 2026.

Thank you all and God Bless

Michele

 

 

 

 

 

July 2025 Update:

 

We are down to 7 Months before the Launch of My Appalachian Trail Thru Hike, The tentative date to be on the trail head in Georgia is March 1st 2026.  I have most all of my gear now, I do need to make a couple of swap outs in gear and get my blanket made. So, the main goal now is to collect food and other resupply items, get 26-32 people to commit to sending a box, and collect money for necessities along the way.  With the help of my life long friend, World renowned Comedian and Motivational Speaker Brett Eastburn and his team ( Brett@BrettEastburn.com) We are putting together fund raising efforts. We have set up a gofund me and you can find that link here   :https://gofund.me/c2352d95 .  With your help, I can make this dream a reality, and hopefully show others that there is life after a suicide attempt.  I pray I can grow this, to help as many  suicide survivors and people struggling with mental health issues as possible, by getting them outside and back to nature.  Will you please help me?

Welcome to Walking with a Purpose

At Walking with a Purpose, we are dedicated to raising awareness about mental health Issues and breaking the stigma and issues facing suicide survivors. Join us on this incredible journey as a 54-year-old grandmother trains to walk the Appalachian Trail in 2026. Please follow us on social media, the links to all social media accounts are listed below.

Hi I'm Michele Boone, and I am walking the Appalachian Trail in 2026, I am a suicide survivor, and I'm hoping to raise awareness about the lack of mental health care, and about how suicide survivors are criminalized and mis treated.  I'm also hoping to grow Walking with a purpose into something much bigger. My long-term goal is to help other suicide survivors find a way forward through getting outdoors, and hiking or walking through the woods.  I would eventually like to make this a non for profit organization, where we can take suicide survivors and others struggling with their mental health on Hiking/camping trips, where we will learn about the local flora and fauna, how to make a fire, and most importantly, how to live in the moment and how to better deal with our mental health through mindfulness, meditation, and being out side in nature.

I welcome you all to follow my journey, and to perhaps start your own.

Blessings and Welcome to Walking-with-a-purpose.com

 

Newest Update: March 17th 2025:

I have most of my gear either here or on it's way.  I've been practicing with my loaded back pack. I have lost a little over 50 lbs in the past year.  I am also taking on the challenge of collecting names of suicide survivors and suicide victims to carry with me on the trail ( the will be put on a shirt). If you would like me to carry the name of someone you know who has suffered from a suicide attempt, and has passed by suicide, please contact me through Facebook Messenger. Michele R Boone. or text 574-302-5998 . I need the persons name, and either the year of thier failed attempt, or the year they were born and the year they passed.  Each name will be honored and put on shirts that I will wear along the AT.  I have collected several names so far and am truly honored to walk the trail for each of these lost or fighting souls.

 

Join us in Raising Mental Health Awareness

Take the first step towards supporting mental health awareness and breaking the stigma facing suicide survivors.

Together, we can make a difference. Join Walking with a Purpose today.

Ways to donate: Please note, that at this time, All donation's made are for the funding and support of Michele's 2026 AT thru hike. All moneys or equipment received will be used to for the thru hike. At the end of the hike, once Michele is home, any left-over donations will go to local suicide prevention groups. 

Cash app $ GoddessMorgaineBBW

PayPal: shellmoon@embarqmail.com

Venmo; @Michele-Boone-18

https://gofund.me/c2352d95

 

Or contact me directly at mommabtattoos@gmail.com 

T-shirt fund raiser. Many shirts to choose from

bonfire.com/appalachian-trail-or-bust-2026

Thank you for your order and for your support 

 

Use this QR code to Order your Walking-With-a-Purpose t-Shirt

You can now click this link to my Instagram, and there you can find all my other pages linked to this one account.  https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?igsh=exdqsytftkts&utm_content=2a0rghk

Facebook, tictok, youtube, instagram and of course this website, are now all linked in one Instagram account. Making it easier for people to follow my journey and to donate.  I hope you will all consider donating to my trip or perhaps you are able to sponsor sections of my hike. All help is always appreciated. Thank you all!!

Please Help me make this dream a reality. Thank you all for your support.

If you are Interested in helping us, make this Appalachian trail walk in 2026 a huge success, please Contact us for opportunities to donate or sponsor Michele Boone's thru walk. Together, we can make a difference for those suffering from depression and those who have survived suicide and need help finding a way forward.

I also encourage each of you to find a local trail, park, beach or woods where you can reconnect with nature, and take time to feed your soul.  The struggles we face in today's world can tear us apart, chew us up and spit us out in fragmented pieces.  Walking in the woods or just walking in general helps ground you, allows you time to breath, and shifts your focus.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, please reach out for help. You are not alone, no matter how it seems in the moment.  Please call for help or talk to someone you trust.  You are loved, and your life is worth living.

The new Suicide hotline number is simply 988, please know that whatever it is that has you down, is temporary, there are so many people who love and care about you, people that will be crushed if you leave.  I know things seem really bad right now, but think about all the good stuff that's still to come, the stuff you will miss. Please seek help, I love you.

I would like to add , if you or someone you know are the victims of Domestic or Sexual abuse, there are resources available for help. Please contact Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE). Or Hotline.org

You're life matters , you matter. If you are struggling with any issues that are affecting your mental or overall health, please reach out for help.

Here are a few other resources:

Eating disorder: National Alliance for Eating Disorders at 1-866-662-1235 or text "NEDA" to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.

Alcohol or Drug abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

This is the SAMHSA National Helpline, a free, confidential, 24/7 service for treatment referral and information. You can also text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) to find local resources

For other Mental health issues you can contact : NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) (Mon–Fri, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET) for peer support, information on conditions like schizophrenia, and guidance on navigating the mental health system.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor via text 24/7.

As always please dial 988 for suicide Hotline, and 911 for an emergency. 

Watch out for each other. The current state of affairs in the US has so many children depressed and worried sick. If you notice your child is detaching, disassociating, eating more or less than normal, seems anxious or worried all the time, please talk to them, comfort them and seek professional help. Mental health is everyone's responsibility... Many people struggling either can't or won't ask for help.  Especially kids.  Working Together is how we save lives . You are loved .. you are important, you deserve to be here.

 

 

Resources and Information

if you or a loved one is considering suicide, please stop, pick up the phone and dial 988 .  Your life matters, YOU matter,

there is always someone who will listen. Don't choose a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Each new day is a chance to

start again.  I promise you, things can and will get better... you just have to hang on. You are loved.

If I can help you in anyway, please reach out., 

Michele R Boone, Founder of Walking-with-a-purpose.com, suicide and cancer survivor.

On our Home page, visitors can expect to find mental health statistics, personal stories, and details about upcoming events. Stay informed and motivated on your mental health journey with Walking with a Purpose.

Things you should know:

Statistics say:

In 2023, approximately 135 people died by suicide each day in the United States. 

Breaking that down further:

  • The total number of suicides in the US in 2023 was 49,316.
  • This translates to about one death by suicide every 11 minutes. 

It is important to remember that these are statistics representing a significant public health issue and a deeply personal tragedy for individuals, families, and communities. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or find other resources like the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 

 

In the United States, a significant portion of adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment. Estimates suggest that over half (56%) of adults with a mental illness are not receiving any mental healthcare services. This translates to over 27 million individuals struggling with a mental illness but going untreated. There are several factors that contribute to this gap in access to care, including cost, stigma, and a shortage of mental health professionals.

An estimated 700,000 people a year take their own life 

If you are struggling, please reach out. The national Suicide Hotline has updated their phone number, just simply dial 988 to talk to someone.   Calling 211, The United Way, is also a good way to find resources near you.

We encourage you to seek help and never give up.  Life is precious and you are not alone.

When I was struggling, going for a walk always seemed to make me feel better.  

Spending time in nature and walking have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression. Here's a summary of why:

 * Increased physical activity: Walking is a form of exercise that releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.

 * Exposure to sunlight: Sunlight helps regulate serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and well-being.

 * Reduced stress: Nature has a calming effect that can help reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation.

 * Mindfulness: Being outdoors can promote mindfulness by encouraging you to focus on the present moment and appreciate your surroundings.

If you're struggling with depression, consider incorporating walks in nature into your routine. Even a short walk in a park can make a difference.

Helpful Information:

How should I talk with someone who might be in crisis?

DO:

  • Talk in private.
  • Treat the person with respect & dignity.
  • Tell the person that you care and want to help.
  • Listen non-judgmentally.
  • Express empathy.
  • Take their concerns seriously. 
  • Let them know their life matters to you.
  • Ask questions that show you genuinely care.
  • Check your understanding by restating what they have said and summarizing facts and feelings.
  • Listen to not only what they say, but how they say it; tone of voice and nonverbal clues will give you more info about feelings.
  • Use minimal prompts when necessary to keep the conversation going. (ex: “I see” or “ah”)
  • Be patient, even when the person is not speaking clearly or is being repetitive.

 

DON’T:

  • Try to fix their problems.
  • Minimize what they are feeling.
  • Tell someone to “get over it” or “snap out of it.”
  • Interrupt the person, especially to share your opinions or experiences.
  • Be critical.
  • Express your frustration at the person for having such symptoms.
  • Tell the person you know what they are going through.
  • Blame the person for the illness.

 

If you suspect someone is suicidal:

  • Take the person seriously.
  • Do not leave the person alone.  If you can’t stay, arrange for someone else to be there.
  • Ask directly about suicidal thoughts. (Are you having thoughts of suicide?  Are you thinking about killing yourself?)
  • If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you need to determine whether the person has definite intentions to take their own life or if their thoughts are more vague.  (Have you decided how you would kill yourself?  Have you decided when you would do it?  Have you taken any steps to secure the things you would need to carry out your plan?)
  • Encourage appropriate professional help.
  • Offer information & resources.
  • If you are concerned about their immediate safety, call 9-1-1.

 

Our resources are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are in a crisis, please visit your local emergency department or call 911 immediately.

*information from Illinois Farm Bureau website

Children and Depression

21 Jul 2024 17:04

Depression can show itself in children as young as three years old. However, it's important to remember that normal childhood behaviors like mood swings can sometimes be mistaken for depression. If you're concerned about your child, it's always best to talk to their doctor. Here are some signs of depression in children: * Persistent sadness or irritability * Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed * Changes in appetite or sleep patterns * Difficulty concentrating or focusing * Withdrawing from friends and family * Feeling worthless or hopeless * Thoughts of death or suicide If you notice any of these signs in your child, please seek professional help. There are effective treatments available for childhood depression, and with the right support, children can recover and lead happy, healthy lives.Here's how outdoor activities, sports, and walking can help children overcome depression:1. Mood Boost:* Endorphins: Exercise releases endorphins, the brain's natural mood elevators.* Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure increases Vitamin D, linked to better mental health.2. Stress Reduction:* Focus Shift: Physical activity provides a mental break from worries.* Relaxation: Being in nature and enjoying movement can be calming.3. Social Connection:* Team Sports: Sports offer opportunities to meet peers and build friendships.* Shared Experiences: Group activities create a sense of belonging.4. Self-Esteem:* Achievement: Mastering skills in sports or physical activities boosts confidence.* Positive Feedback: Encouragement from coaches and teammates helps.5. Routine and Structure:* Regular Activity: Scheduled exercise creates healthy habits.* Goal Setting: Working towards fitness goals provides purpose.Important Note: While these activities are beneficial, they're not a replacement for professional mental health support. Encourage children to talk to a trusted adult if they're struggling.

Read more »

important things to know about soldiers with depression

21 Jul 2024 11:17

So my wife and I went to a local festival yesterday. She set up her booth, and we got the word out not only about her Animal Aid fund she runs, but I also got the word out about my walk.  So many good people still left in this world. I promise they are out there. While there, there were a couple of Military type booths set up next to us, one offering services to help soldiers find housing and a job after the military tour ends. The other offered therapy services of all kinds to help soldiers struggling with mental/ physical issues. Wonderful things that both of these groups are doing, and no surprise, but not funded by the government.

Read more »

We are here to help offer encouragement and Mental Health service information. We want to offer information about the benefits of walking and outdoor activities for those suffering with depression and depression related issues. We want to offer suicide survivors a safe place where they can share their story and not feel criminalized or stigmatized by others. 

This is a safe place for all.

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