First Day Hikes: Get Outside On January 1!
The History Of First Day Hikes First Day Hikes began in 1992 in Massachusetts. The concept was created by Patrick Flynn, the former supervisor for … Read more…
Seasonal Affective Disorder
It is that time of year when many of us may be experiencing the winter blues. We also may be … Read more…
Dealing with election stress
An election like no other… Elections seem to have become a mental health issue. One editorial I read compared the recent election to a hostage … Read more…
Winter Hiking
Autumn is here and winter is fast approaching. This means the amount of sunlight each day is decreasing, as are the temperatures. You may be thinking it is getting too chilly to hike, but honestly, winter hiking is a great activity. Read on for winter hiking tips…
Read more...Substance Use Disorder
As we make our way through autumn the amount of daily sunlight is decreasing and the weather is getting colder. The holidays will soon be … Read more…
Schizophrenia
While few individuals are diagnosed with schizophrenia you have likely heard of this mental illness. According to the NIMH estimates of the prevalence of schizophrenia … Read more…
Disasters, trails, and trauma
This week, I’ve been reading the news of hurricane Helene’s devastation in the southern Appalachians, and especially western North Carolina, with increasing concern. My … Read more…
Loneliness and Isolation
The Facts Fall is here, winter is approaching, and the amount of daylight is decreasing. For some this can mean less time outside, more time … Read more…
Hiking, research, and results
All of us who read this blog know that hiking plays a key role in maintaining our mental health. One of the great things about … Read more…
Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or mental health challenges 988 is available 24/7 to provide emotional support. September is … Read more…
Autism: what it is, what it ain’t, and how time in the outdoors may be helpful
My introduction to autism A few years ago, one of my children was diagnosed with autism. As I listened to the rationale for the surprising … Read more…
Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
I have been volunteering for HIKE for Mental Health for a relatively short period of time. In getting to know more about the organization … Read more…
Hike the Giant, 2024 edition, in pictures
A message from hike organizers Shianne Purvis and Deanna Anderson: Sunday was our fourth annual Hike the Giant event at Sleeping Giant State Park in … Read more…
Summit Mt Washington 2024 soars
It is with an incredible amount of gratitude I share with you that 241 hikers and cog participants all joined together yesterday for what was truly a beautiful, inspiring, and record breaking event. From the moment the first hikers arrived, to when the last were leaving the parking lot, the day was unbelievable and largely went off without a hitch.
Read more...Greetings from your newest member of the mental health blogging team
Greetings fellow hikers. My name is Tim McNicholl, and I am thrilled to join the Hike for Mental Health team as a contributing blogger on … Read more…
Back to School Series: School Professionals
We hope you have enjoyed our Back to School series. This will be the last article in the series. If you have not … Read more…
Partnership Award at PCT Days
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) awarded HIKE for Mental Health with a Partnership Award on the main stage of Pacific Crest Trail Days this … Read more…
Back to School Series: Bullying
As many students begin their school year they, and parents, may be concerned about bullying. Stopbullying.gov provides a lot of information about bullying, and what you … Read more…
Back to School Series: ADHD
According to the CDC attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood mental health disorders. It is marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity … Read more…
Hike As Your Are This #hikeOctober
It’s official – two months until #hikeOctober 2024 begins! Join our eighth annual #hikeOctober campaign to raise awareness of the challenges of mental illness, fund mental health research and conserve wilderness trails. #hikeOctober is free to join, open to hikers of all experience levels, and a great way for your walk in the woods, or around the park, to make an impact.
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