My best mental health treatment is hiking

Posted by ihatediabetes @ihatediabetes, Dec 10, 2016

I usually post in endicrinology but today i am posting in mental health. I do have patient experience as inpatient and outpatient in mental health. For me, i discovered my best mental health treatment is hiking. I am learning the state parks and trails. Hiking puts me in a better frame if mind. I can listen to water or observe branches on trees. I do have psychologist and she said its mindfulness. So i found some peace in the woods. I wanted to share this. Hiking is not expensive. Just need good shoes, water, and granola bar. I also take cell phone and trail map. Linda

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Dec 10, 2016

Thank you @ihatediabetes, for sharing your experience; it's so nice to know that exercise helps our mental and emotional state too.

I would highly recommend you also watch this presentation on Mindfulness: http://mayocl.in/2hgOVv4

@ihatediabetes, would you tell us a bit more about your mental issues?

ihatediabetes | @ihatediabetes | Dec 10, 2016

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Thank you @ihatediabetes, for sharing your experience; it's so nice to know that exercise helps our..." + (show)

Well I went through phase where I was a frequent flyer on 72 hour holds. That was 20 years ago. So I do know what its like to end up in ER and not be able to leave. I do think people have to decide to live. You can't just live because you are supposed to. Focus on baby steps. Like getting out of bed and get mail. I also think its good to find things to focus on like model airplanes or coloring. Also be nice to yourself and stop being mean to yourself. I have been diagnosed with major depression in past. Now its called dissociative disorder. I think that's the right diagnosis. Lots of us have been hurt over and over again in childhood so we did not arrive in adulthood with a strong foundation. But people can rebuild themselves. My advice is do not kill yourself. That's being mean to yourself. Be nice to yourself. And remember baby steps are the way to go. And remember God.

ggibault | @ggibault | Dec 11, 2016

Walking is good for the soul and too suffer from Chronic depression and am a disabled Vet because of it. I walk at the Port of Baltimore as I work there as a state employee. The scenery is quite different as I see ships, tower cranes, heavy equipment of all kinds, plus seagulls, sea birds, and the water; it can be intoxicating. As I am Catholic; I pray my rosary while I walk; it becomes (for me) a mantra and I find a peace in it. Keep going and enjoy . . . Sent from Outlook