The New Face of Mental Health Support

• Emerging travel retreats, such as those offered by Mind Over Mountains and Blackdog Outdoors, combine outdoor pursuits with mental health support to foster overall well-being.
• These organizations create a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals to openly discuss and navigate their mental health challenges.

With mental health disorders expected to affect half of the world’s population in their lifetime, the need for innovative and accessible solutions is pressing. Organisations like Mind Over Mountains and Blackdog Outdoors in the UK, and Hiking My Feelings in the US, have responded by creating travel retreats that merge outdoor pursuits with mental health support. These retreats fill a significant gap in the wellness space, offering a supportive environment for participants to engage in open discussions about their mental health challenges.

Mind Over Mountains hosts free well-being walks and low-cost weekend retreats in national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty across the UK. During these excursions, qualified counselors or coaches lead participants through mindfulness exercises and nature connection activities, fostering an environment where discussions about emotions and personal difficulties are welcomed.

Similarly, Blackdog Outdoors organizes around 120 free hiking, climbing, and paddle sport day trips each year, alongside low-cost mountain skills training. These events are specifically designed for those new to outdoor activities or those who have lost the confidence or desire to engage in these pursuits independently.

Feedback from participants indicates a lasting mental health benefit, with more than 90% of attendees reporting a positive impact. The immersive nature of these retreats, combined with their supportive environment, makes them a powerful catalyst for personal growth and emotional healing. They also serve as a testament to the growing body of research that links nature connectedness to mental well-being, underlining the therapeutic potential of outdoor activities.

Both Mind Over Mountains and Blackdog Outdoors demonstrate the significant role that nature-based retreats can play in addressing mental health issues. By creating a supportive and non-judgemental environment, these organizations are reshaping the approach to mental health, making it more accessible and relatable for many individuals struggling with mental health issues. The rise of these nature-based retreats signifies a promising trend in mental health support that harnesses nature’s therapeutic power to promote overall well-being.

Discover more at BBC.