Living in Western New York, winter can often feel like an eternity. Having spent my entire life here, I’m no stranger to the unpredictable March weather. My birthday falls at the end of the month, and I can recall my mother avoiding any weather-dependent birthday plans, knowing full well that we could be wearing snow suits or bathing suits on the same day.
However, this year’s winter felt particularly grueling and seemed to stretch on longer than usual. This prompted my friend Nora and I to escape the confines of our homes one early April weekend, regardless of the weather. Our children were climbing the walls with cabin fever, and we jokingly considered turning them into outdoor pets. I reached out to Nora, and after checking the forecast—cold with a chance of snow flurries but some sunshine—we decided to go for it!
We met at a nearby nature park boasting a family-friendly trail adorned with whimsical fairy houses nestled in the trees. This spot has always enchanted us with its breathtaking scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and lush woodland surroundings. I secured my toddler in his carrier, bundled us both up, and off we went. The cold air was sharp against our chests, yet it felt refreshing, almost purging the stale air we’d been breathing indoors.
The wildlife around us was a stunning sight. If you’re seeking a connection with nature, this park is the place to be. The marshland was teeming with life, and sunlight filtered through the trees, illuminating the beauty all around. We spotted numerous deer wandering through, sharing this slice of nature with us. As we picked up our pace, my heart raced while carrying my 28-pound toddler, and I felt invigorated watching our children dash from one fairy house to another, captivated by their magic and wonder.
Although the experience was delightful, it reminded me of a recent video circulating on a homeopathic Facebook page. The video depicted someone running through a dense forest, captioned with “This is an antidepressant.” Below, a bottle of pills dropped to the ground with the words “This is a lifelong addiction.”
Upon first viewing, I felt deterred by the post and recognized the creator’s lack of medical understanding. It’s common to encounter unhealthy stigmas around mental health, and I hadn’t thought much about it until our nature walk rekindled the memory. Nora and I began discussing it.
Did I feel elated in that moment? Was I at peace? Were endorphins flowing through my body? Absolutely! But here’s the reality: exercise and fresh air do not substitute for my mental health medications. Let me be clear: “Exercise…and…fresh…air…do…not…replace…my…mental…health…medications.” The euphoria from physical activity is fleeting, and for those of us dealing with chemical imbalances affecting our moods and perceptions, it isn’t a complete solution.
Should I exercise more? Certainly. Is physical activity beneficial? Absolutely. Does immersing oneself in nature offer positive effects? Yes. But does it cure mental illnesses? No, it does not.
Consider someone who doesn’t struggle with anxiety or depression but has a rough day at work. They might go for a jog and return feeling revitalized. That’s fantastic, but they may also be the kind of person who makes dismissive comments about medication.
For those grappling with debilitating anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or similar conditions, the right medication can mean the difference between getting out of bed and staying under the covers. Sometimes, it’s the initial step toward lacing up those sneakers and enjoying nature.
Mental health challenges differ from everyday stress, and exercise isn’t a panacea. Viral posts like that only serve to further stigmatize individuals like me, who already feel isolated and judged for needing support. Such narratives can lead someone on a beneficial medication regimen to abandon it, risking their well-being. They perpetuate the harmful belief that if people with depression just tried harder, they would be happy. You know, just be happy. (#itdoesn’tworkthatway).
I cherished my walk in the park with my best friend and our kids. I wouldn’t trade that day for anything, and it was greatly needed. Yet, for the sake of self-care, I returned home and took my medications that night, just like I do every night.
For those facing mental health challenges, prioritize your well-being and disregard the noise. You know what’s best for you.