HIKE For Mental Health Welcomes Aspiring JMT Hiker

Hello! My name is Emily, and I am the newest Mental Health News Compiler. While I will be regularly posting about mental health research, my intent is to focus on research related to hiking, backpacking, and other nature-related activities and mental health.

I am originally from South Carolina but moved to Oregon several years ago to complete a Masters degree in Folklore. Currently, I am working towards a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am interested in the surge in popularity of backcountry hiking and thru-hiking that has occurred in the last decade, and the possibilities this has on influencing the field of mental health.

When I’m not working, you can find me in my garden or on one of Oregon’s numerous hiking trails. These days, hiking is a lot more like training as I prepare for my next big adventure, hiking all 211 miles of the John Muir Trail (JMT) in August.

I’m excited to be working with HIKE for Mental Health and to get to know this community. If you have JMT advice for a first time thru-hiker, drop me a line; or if there is a particular topic you’d like me to look for, let me know!

Comments

HIKE For Mental Health Welcomes Aspiring JMT Hiker — 4 Comments

Tammy Warren on April 25, 2017 at 6:40 pm said:

Hi, Emily! Good luck in your new position. I’m sure you’ll find a wonderful group of volunteers, hikers and supporters of Hike for Mental Health.
- Emily Knott Nelson on April 26, 2017 at 9:04 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Tammy! I’m very excited to be working with HIKE for Mental Health.
Joyce berryman on April 25, 2017 at 10:18 pm said:

Hi Emily,

My granddaughter is working on the same degree at Portland Bible College. Her mother and brother have hiked a total of 1,400 miles on the Appalachian trail. My daughter is an artist, and artist. I think she wanted the out in nature experience. Next walk is the Pacific crest trail. I have a daughter who has a mental illness, I can’t believe how much walking helps her. I wish more was written about the evidence, but most people with mental illness to not know it helps. Good luck on your adventures.
- Emily Knott Nelson on April 26, 2017 at 9:10 pm said:
  
  Joyce-
  
  Those sound like amazing adventures! The benefit of being nature and/or walking in nature is amazing, but you’re right, there isn’t a easily accessible or large body of work to access. Part of what I hope to do here at HIKE for Mental Health, is to find those resources and make them more accessible.