Living in Western New York, I’ve grown accustomed to the long winters here. As someone with a late March birthday, I recall my mother never planning any weather-dependent celebrations, as we could be donning swimsuits or bundled in snow gear.
However, this year’s winter felt particularly grueling and dragged on longer than usual. So, a few weekends ago in early April, my friend Sarah and I decided it was time to venture outdoors, regardless of the weather. Our kids were suffering from serious cabin fever—I joked that we were ready to turn them into outdoor pets! I reached out to Sarah, and despite the forecast predicting some snow flurries and chilly temperatures, we saw a glimmer of sunshine.
“Let’s do it!” we agreed.
We chose a local nature park known for its kid-friendly trails and whimsical fairy houses nestled among the trees. It’s one of our favorite spots, where the stunning scenery offers a serene escape into the woods. I strapped my toddler into the carrier, bundled us up, and off we went. The cold air hit our chests sharply, but it felt refreshing, almost like it was cleansing the stale air we had been breathing indoors.
The wildlife was enchanting. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, this park is the perfect destination. The marshlands were alive with animals, and sunlight filtered beautifully through the trees. We spotted numerous deer wandering around, sharing this slice of nature with us. Our pace quickened as we walked, our hearts racing while I carried a 28-pound toddler. It was a workout, especially as we watched our children scamper from one fairy house to another, their wonder and excitement a joy to witness.
While the experience was absolutely delightful, it sparked a thought about a recent video circulating on a homeopathic Facebook page. It depicted someone sprinting through a dense forest with the caption, “This is an antidepressant,” followed by a bottle of pills dropping to the ground with the caption, “This is a lifelong addiction.”
When I first came across that post, it instantly struck me as misguided, lacking a deep understanding of mental health. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered numerous unhealthy stigmas surrounding mental health, and I had pushed this particular thought aside—until that day in the park with Sarah.
Did I feel incredible in that moment? Was I at peace? Did my brain release endorphins? Absolutely! But here’s the crucial point: exercise and fresh air do not replace my mental health medications. Let’s say it together: “Exercise…and…fresh…air…do…not…replace…my…mental…health…medications.”
The euphoria from exercise is fleeting. For those of us with chemical imbalances affecting our brain function and daily mood, it’s not a comprehensive solution. Should I incorporate more exercise into my routine? Definitely. Is physical activity beneficial? Without a doubt. Is disconnecting and immersing myself in nature a positive experience? Yes! But does it cure mental illnesses? No, it simply doesn’t.
Consider someone who doesn’t struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues but has had a rough day at work. They decide to go for a run and, upon finishing, feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of their day. That’s wonderful, but they may not fully grasp the complexities of mental health when they make comments dismissing the need for medication.
For someone grappling with debilitating anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or related conditions, the right medication can be the difference between getting out of bed and facing the day or remaining paralyzed by their struggle. Sometimes, that medication is the first step toward lacing up those running shoes and embracing nature.
Mental health challenges differ significantly from everyday stress, and exercise isn’t a panacea. Viral posts like the one I mentioned only serve to further stigmatize individuals like me, who already feel isolated and judged for relying on these supports. Such messages could even jeopardize the well-being of those who have finally found a suitable medication regimen, leading them to abandon it and potentially endanger themselves. It perpetuates the harmful notion that those with depression simply need to try harder to be happy. That’s not how any of this works.
I thoroughly enjoyed my walk in the park with my best friend and our kids. It was a day I wouldn’t trade for anything. However, upon returning home, I made sure to take my medications that night, just like I do every night.
For anyone navigating mental health challenges—prioritize your self-care and tune out the noise. You know what’s best for you.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the joys of nature walks while emphasizing the critical importance of mental health medications. Although exercise and fresh air can provide temporary relief, they are not substitutes for proper treatment in mental health conditions. The writer shares personal experiences and insights on self-care, urging those with mental health struggles to prioritize their well-being.