When Meredith R., 28, prepared to go on her meticulously planned vacation to Paris, she wasnt thinking too much about her mental health. In fact, she kind of hoped her depression and anxiety would take a vacation of their own while she was living out a lifelong dream. How could I be anything but happy in Paris? she thought. I didnt realize it until after the fact, but as I was planning, I was working around a very specific fantasy of what my vacation would look like, she tells SELF. That fantasy didnt involve me being depressed or anxious.

But Merediths mental illnesses didnt take a break just so she could enjoy her vacation. She had her first panic attack after navigating crowds to climb the stairs to a lookout point at Sacr-Cur. I was so thrown for the rest of the trip, she says. I was even more anxious because I thought another panic attack could strike at any time, and I got caught in a hell of a negative thought spiral about how my trip was ruined, which was basically a flytrap for my depression. It was awful.

Looking back, Meredith says she wishes she had planned ahead instead of just hoping for the best where her mental health was concerned. Experts typically agree that thats a smart call no matter your history of mental illness because travel can be stressful or triggering for just about anybody, Claire Westmacott, M.P.H., a research specialist with the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT), tells SELF. Traveling can get overwhelming quite quickly, she says. The processlike jet lag [and] navigating airports, unfamiliar places, and crowdscan all be physically and mentally taxing.

Its so, so normal to be overly optimistic about how your mental health will fare on vacation. A common misunderstanding among some people with depression, anxiety or other conditions is that when I leave my surroundings, my problems will also leave, clinical psychologist Ryan Howes, Ph.D., tells SELF. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Your [condition] will likely come with you.With that in mind, we talked to experts and travelers who have been there about their best tips for protecting your mental health while on the go. Heres what they had to say.

Its helpful to plan ahead for how youll deal with things like travel anxiety. You can keep it simple.

If deep breathing, positive affirmations, seeking support, exercise, or journaling worked for you at home, it will probably work for you on vacation, says Howes. The same goes for things like clutching stress balls, listening to grounding playlists, watching downloaded episodes of your favorite shows, or whatever you use to practice self-care on a regular basis.

If you dont know where to start, try packing a journal, which Howes says can be an incredible tool. Writing a journal helps you tame the tsunami of activity [of a trip] and forces all those feelings and experiences into a linear narrative, he says. By journaling, youre beginning to write the story youll tell your friends about the trip when you return, which helps you feel more in control and grounded.

Even if you dont anticipate being hit with a wave of homesickness, being away from everything thats familiar to you can be unexpectedly stressful. For some people, travel can feel like youre floating in space, untethered from your day-to-day world, and this is scary, says Howes.

Do what you need to do ahead of time to make sure you can check in with people back home, especially if you know for sure that will bring you some comfort. Make sure you have the right phone plan so you can call, text, or FaceTime from wherever youre going. (Bonus: Sorting this out ahead of time means you wont wind up with a surprisingly high, anxiety-inducing phone bill when youre back.) You might also want to give your friends or family a heads up that you anticipate wanting to say hey occasionally or even regularly. When depression, anxiety, or unhelpful mental health thoughts kick in, it can be easy to convince yourself not to burden other people. Planning in advance and getting reinforcement that they cant wait to hear from you can help mitigate that.

[Check in] to remind yourself there are people at home who miss you and are holding down the fort, says Howes.

If youre worried about your mental health while traveling due to past experiences or because you deal with a mental illness, Westmacott suggests making an appointment with your mental health care provider or even your general practitioner before you go. Use it as an opportunity to make sure youre mentally and physically fit for the type of traveling you plan to do and to make a game plan. Really take this time to talk about any anxieties you have about the trip and make sure you have good coping mechanisms in place, says Westmacott.

Just like with your friends or family, you can also ask to keep in touch with your care provider during your trip and schedule regular check-ins. On that note...

Elisa D., 39, learned this lesson while traveling in Prague for three months. She had an unexpected mental health crisis set off by the dour winter weather and social isolation. I cried heartilylike heaving, sobbing, fetal position criesevery day for at least an hour for almost a month straight, she tells SELF. I left my apartment only to get beans and rice and an apple danish from the corner market 30 feet from my front door.

At the time, Elisa didnt have the bandwidth to seek help, a reality anyone who has been in the throes of a depressive or anxious episode knows well. Since returning from Prague, shes signed up for BetterHelp, an online therapy portal. She recommends it, or similar services like TalkSpace or even short-term resources like the Crisis Text Line, for anyone who is traveling and worried about their mental health. Armed with her teletherapist, Elisa continues to travel regularly.

Even if you already have a therapist, its worth asking them if theyll consider doing teletherapy appointments while youre away if you think that might help.

According to Howes, the unfamiliarity of traveling can feel mentally disorienting for some people. Bringing some familiar comforts from home with you can make a big difference. If you have room, pack your own pillow, bring the familiar shampoo, haul that novel around, or cram your jammies in your bag, he says. Pushing the limits of [your luggage] may be worth it if self-care is at stake.

This is especially important for travelers with a history of mental health problems who want to prepare in case they need to seek help. That said, Westmacott suggests every traveler put in this legwork just in case because, well, you never know.

Bree S., 24, was on a month-long European trip with friends when a serious case of homesickness hit. I was more depressed than I had ever been but I didnt think I could do anything but stick it out, she tells SELF. Thats exactly what she did, and it wasnt fun. In retrospect, she says, she wishes shed thought to seek help or even knew what that would look like.

Before you go, you should find a reputable mental health professional at your destination who speaks your language so that in the event of an emergency, you have someone you can immediately get in touch with, says Westmacott. You can do this on your own, through your insurance, or through a nonprofit like IAMAT, which helps travelers access care from reputable English-speaking doctors and mental health practitioners.

If youre specifically setting up a safety net for a potential mental health crisis, Westmacott suggests taking it a step further by making sure your destination is a smart choice in the first place. We recommend travelers worried about a mental health emergency research to gain a really good understanding of what mental health services are available and the countrys cultural attitude towards mental illness and mental health, she says. These factors can really shape the type of care that youll receive.

It might seem obvious that you should make sure to pack enough medication for the duration of your trip, but with mental health medication, its not that simple. According to Westmacott, many medications that are used to manage mental health conditions are considered controlled substances in some countries. Because of that, you have to make sure youre in compliance with your destinations import regulations, which may include a maximum amount of medication or a requirement for carrying a written prescription or a doctors note. Depending on the length of your trip and where youre going, it might not be possible to bring enough medication to get you through.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has a list of controlled substance regulations by country and is a good place to start, but unfortunately, some countries dont have publicly stated restrictions. In that case, your doctor may be able to help offer some information. The INCB also has some general traveling guidelines you should check out to make sure youre being smart about your meds while away from home, and this IAMAT guide to traveling with medications offers some additional tips too.

Its also smart to check with your doctor to make sure your medication is available at your destination if you need it. It would really suck, for example, if you lost your medication while traveling and found out you couldnt get a replacement prescription because its not legal where you are.

When Meredith went to Paris, she was so excited to cram in as many sights as possible that she didnt leave any room for rest and relaxationsomething she depended on for managing her mental health back home. It doesnt surprise me now that I had an anxiety meltdown, she says. I can never be that busy in my day-to-day life without time to refuel.

While rest and relaxation are good for everyone to work into their trip, there might be other things you want to include in your itinerary to round it out, especially if youre a creature of habit. When youre at home, you know your routine, your restaurants, and your bedtime rituals, but on vacation, these may all be unfamiliar and require more mental effort, says Howes. There are no go-tos for lunch or evening entertainment, and you may need to step outside numerous comfort zones in order to make the most of your trip.

While Howes says just acknowledging this fact can help you make peace with the change and unfamiliarity, it cant hurt to fold an activity or two youre accustomed to into your vacation routine for comfort.

Its always a great idea to prepare for the worst just in case. Hopefully, that will put your mind at ease because you know youre prepared in case of trouble. But try not to anticipate the worst and let your preparation stress you out more.

If you go into it thinking it will be an overwhelming, chaotic, and stressful experience, it probably will be, says Howes. If you instead look at travel as an adventure that may give you exciting stories and good life lessons, this will probably be true. Think of the bumps in the road as details in the story youll be telling friends in a few weeks, and it all seems less stressful.

Related:

Original post:
9 Travel Tips That Will Protect Your Mental Health - Self

Stefanie Schaffer inspired a city on Thursday.

Schaffer, 23, of Rutland, spoke at Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce at the Paramount Theatre, addressing the theme of Strength and Resilience to a room filled with legislators, business owners and community leaders who didnt even cough or clear their throats while Schaffer talked about her recovery from her 2018 injury.

While in the Bahamas with family and friends, Schaffer got on a tour boat on June 30, 2018. The boat exploded, killing an Atlanta, Georgia, woman and injuring Schaffer so badly she would need to have both legs amputated. She had also suffered spinal cord injury and brain injuries.

She told the audience about her disappointment when a Boston doctor, whom she believed could fix her, told her she might not walk again.

Here I was again, facing another problem that felt too big. I cried myself to sleep that night, and then I woke up, and I took everybody by surprise. I looked at them, and I said, They said I wouldnt survive, and I did. They said I wouldnt get out of kidney failure, and I did. They say I wont walk. Watch me. Maybe there wasnt other people with the same injury as me that were out there walking. But why couldnt I be the first? she said.

On Thursday, Schaffer walked across the Paramount Stage on prosthetic legs, with assistance from a walker until helped to a chair behind the lectern where she spoke.

Early on, Schaffer talked about the position she had recently accepted as the ambassador for the 2019 Gift-of-Life Marathon.

On Thursday afternoon, Schaffer said she had accepted the offer to represent the blood donation marathon, which has allowed Rutland to set donation records, without having to think about it.

Without blood being donated at the time I had been hurt, if there wasnt that extra blood, I dont think I would still be here, she said.

Before her accident, Schaffer donated blood once, she said Thursday, but anemia had prevented her from being a regular donor.

She said she hoped potential donors would hear her story and understood how important it was to give blood.

They may not see the people who are receiving their blood, or they may not know them, but they really can save lives. Maybe its an inconvenience to go out and donate blood on the day of a drive, but there are going to be people, and its really a life or death situation. I would hope to just be a reminder that its people like me that are here because of people that choose to donate, she said.

During her speech to chamber members, Schaffer talked about how a positive mental attitude had turned around her recovery. As an example, she said she knew she faced real challenges the first time she tried to use prosthetics because her lengthy recovery to date had left her weak.

But I didnt care. No longer worried about how cool I was, if my bald spot was showing or even how terrified I was in that moment. I went down in front of that huge crowd that had gathered, and I strapped those legs on, she said.

While Mary Cohen, executive director of the chamber, said Schaffer was chosen as the speaker because she embodied what the chamber leaders considered the Rutland areas strength and resilience, the annual meeting covered other business.

Donald Billings, owner of Roots: The Restaurant and The Bakery in downtown Rutland, was named the 2019 Business Leader of the Year.

A new award, the Community Leader of the Year, was given to Terry Jarrosak, locally known by his on-air radio alias, Terry Jaye, the program manager for Catamount Radio. Jarrosak was introduced by Steve Costello who said Jarrosaks contributions included working with the Gift-of-Life Marathon, the Stuff-A-Bus event collecting food for the needy and other charitable events.

But Schaffer was the final speaker for the event and shared lessons shes learned since her life changed so drastically. She said if she could have known what challenges she faced, she probably would have pictured herself as someone who had been defeated and given up.

I think we all tend to underestimate ourselves and until we jump into a challenge with everything that we have and all the support that we can find, we will never know what we are truly capable of. I may not be walking unassisted yet but what I have done is, I have gotten through more than 30 surgeries while keeping a smile on my face. I have stood on my own brand-new feet. I have walked with crutches. I have learned to bike with my hands and to swim with no feet. I have kayaked and traveled. I have met new people, cheered my sister on, laughed with my family and had glasses of wine with my friends. I havent just survived; Im learning how to really live. And the best part is Im just getting started, she said.

patrick.mcardle

@rutlandherald.com

More here:
Schaffer talks 'strength and resilience' to Chamber | News - Rutland Herald

British sailor Alex Thomson says tales of Leicesters shock Premier League title success have aided his ongoing mental preparation for the worlds toughest yacht race.

Skipper Thomson is set to embark on a maiden competitive voyage aboard the 5.5million boat he hopes can end his wait for glory in the solo, around-the-world Vendee Globe.

The 45-year-old, who on Sunday begins the double-handed Transat Jacques Vabre (TJV) warm-up event from France to Brazil, regularly works with psychologist Ken Way to focus and train his mind.

Way was part of Claudio Ranieris backroom staff when the Foxes defied 5000/1 odds to be crowned champions in 2016, and Thomson has taken plenty of inspiration from stories of one of sports most unexpected triumphs.

Weve talked about that quite a lot, learnt lots of interesting stuff out of it, Thomson told the PA news agency.

It reinforces the ability that Ken has when people buy into the thinking and the possibility of making gains through your mental attitude and mental techniques to improve your sport.

I think in this particular case with what we do, there are so many tools, so many possibilities to make improvements, so its a really fascinating subject.

For me, the Vendee is as much a mental game as a physical, maybe even more so. Training your mind and I cant understand why you wouldnt do it its an absolute no-brainer.

But each to their own. I very much enjoy working with Ken and find what we work out not only helps me with the race but helps me be a better human being, so its all good.

The 4,350-mile TJV, sponsored by a French coffee company, follows a former trading route, beginning in the Normandy port of Le Havre before crossing the equator to finish in the Brazilian city of Salvador.

It will provide the first test of Thomsons latest custom-built Hugo Boss boat, named after his teams principal sponsor and christened on the river Thames last month.

Gosport-based Thomson, who will compete alongside former Olympic sailor Neal McDonald, capsized off the north coast of Spain and was airlifted to safety the last time he entered the TJV.

With the long-term aim of becoming the first non-French winner of the gruelling non-stop Vendee Globe the next edition of which starts in November 2020 his primary objectives during the forthcoming fortnight are a safe passage to South America and developing a greater understanding of his new vessel.

Its about the bigger picture. Thats the main thing. If we can avoid a big problem and get to the finish, thats the first objective, said Thomson, who finished second in the 2016-17 Vendee and third in 2012-13.

The second objective is to make sure we get enough information to inform the next choices that we want to make, the next developments.

These are prototype boats, there are always little niggles and stuff to improve and stuff that doesnt quite work from the very beginning.

If you think about Formula One, the cars are launched and by the end of the season they are completely different because they are being developed and changed all the time to try and make then go faster and thats exactly the same for us.

We expect in a years time we will be 10 or 15 per cent faster than we are now.

Here is the original post:
Thomson inspired by Leicester title triumph as he seeks Vendee Globe glory - Aberdeen Evening Express

In the final part of the Behind Bars series, Warden Jim McKinney interviews inmate Joseph Hansen to show what makes a meth addict tick and what can be done to stop it. "I don't feel good about it. It's always been there," Hansen said. Hansen is talking about methamphetamine. A theme seen over and over with the three inmates KCCI has sat down with at one Iowa prison. "It is a full time busy operation," McKinney said. McKinney took KCCI crew around the entire correctional facility in Coralville, explaining how they're working around-the-clock to try and help each of the thousands of inmates who walk through its doors. "We're talking about guys that are allegedly one of the worst in the state, and turning their lives around," McKinney said. He has a positive philosophy that others can feel in the prison. "What changes people is holding them accountable if they do wrong, but also giving them encouragement to do well," McKinney said. As the warden made Hansen sweat, KCCI's Tommie Clarke listened to how difficult it is to quit an addiction that alters everything. "If your choice is you see the meth and you know where you're going to end up, why do you still choose the meth?" McKinney asked Hansen. "You can't shrug your shoulders! You gotta answer the question!""Because I'm a drug addict and that's what I like," Hansen answered. "It helps me escape reality because I don't like dealing with reality." "Is it fair to the victims and the society to have to pay for you to be here?" McKinney asked. "Nope," Hansen said. "And yet it doesn't matter? Just putting you on the spot," McKinney said. "It's not that it doesn't matter, but at the same time it doesn't matter. I don't know how to explain it," Hansen said. The warden hopes that direct conversations like this, coupled with treatment, will keep inmates like Hansen out longer. "I've always had the attitude of just saying, 'The heck with it,' and that's an easy way to escape and I don't want to do that no more," Hansen said. "The better job we do inside to try and get them to change, the better off society is," McKinney said. "Our main job is how well we do when they get outside the fence. That's really our true measurement." However, when inmates are released and they're still addicted to an artificial euphoria, the warden said their job is working to minimize that addiction while improving the mental health of each inmate.

In the final part of the Behind Bars series, Warden Jim McKinney interviews inmate Joseph Hansen to show what makes a meth addict tick and what can be done to stop it.

"I don't feel good about it. It's always been there," Hansen said.

Hansen is talking about methamphetamine. A theme seen over and over with the three inmates KCCI has sat down with at one Iowa prison.

"It is a full time busy operation," McKinney said.

McKinney took KCCI crew around the entire correctional facility in Coralville, explaining how they're working around-the-clock to try and help each of the thousands of inmates who walk through its doors.

"We're talking about guys that are allegedly one of the worst in the state, and turning their lives around," McKinney said.

He has a positive philosophy that others can feel in the prison.

"What changes people is holding them accountable if they do wrong, but also giving them encouragement to do well," McKinney said.

As the warden made Hansen sweat, KCCI's Tommie Clarke listened to how difficult it is to quit an addiction that alters everything.

"If your choice is you see the meth and you know where you're going to end up, why do you still choose the meth?" McKinney asked Hansen. "You can't shrug your shoulders! You gotta answer the question!"

"Because I'm a drug addict and that's what I like," Hansen answered. "It helps me escape reality because I don't like dealing with reality."

"Is it fair to the victims and the society to have to pay for you to be here?" McKinney asked.

"Nope," Hansen said.

"And yet it doesn't matter? Just putting you on the spot," McKinney said.

"It's not that it doesn't matter, but at the same time it doesn't matter. I don't know how to explain it," Hansen said.

The warden hopes that direct conversations like this, coupled with treatment, will keep inmates like Hansen out longer.

"I've always had the attitude of just saying, 'The heck with it,' and that's an easy way to escape and I don't want to do that no more," Hansen said.

"The better job we do inside to try and get them to change, the better off society is," McKinney said. "Our main job is how well we do when they get outside the fence. That's really our true measurement."

However, when inmates are released and they're still addicted to an artificial euphoria, the warden said their job is working to minimize that addiction while improving the mental health of each inmate.

Continued here:
Prison warden works to improve mental health of inmates with addictions - KCCI Des Moines

If you go to mental health, that will be the end of your career, the ominous warning that echoes through all branches of the military.

There is an unavoidable feeling of distrust for service members regarding mental health services. According to the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention (DoDSER) 2017 annual report, there were 1,397 non-fatal suicide attempts by active-duty service members. Over half of the members who were lost to suicide had seen a health care professional within the previous 90 days. These statistics illustrate the number of people that the system missed that were in crisis yet didnt speak up and ask for help. Current policies will continue to fail soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines until there is a change in how mental health is reported and trust in the system is secured. The risk of losing any more service members is too significant to ignore.

The military requires mental health professionals to disclose a military members mental health information according to specific DoD guidance. The DoD guidance list nine reasons for mental health treatment to be reported to the chain of command. These reasons are harm to self, harm to others, harm to mission, special identified person, inpatient care, acute medical conditions that interfere with duty, substance abuse, command-directed assessment, and other circumstances determined on a case-by-case basis. While many of these reasons seem like common sense, there is ambiguity around what might constitute harm to mission, and these terms are subjective and can be used to describe someone who is experiencing high stress, temporary anxiety or depression.

The commanders responsibility to the units and members under his or her command is enormous, and the commander needs to receive the relevant information to make mission-essential decisions. However, the commander may be forced to decide on a service members career, based on the limited information that the mental health professional can share. The context of the members issues is lost, and they could very well be deemed potential harm to the mission, needlessly ending a career.

If you had a broken leg, you would report to the medic, who might put you on quarters and develop an appropriate work plan so that you could heal. Should we not treat mental health the same way? The mental health professionals seeing activity-duty members should report the members status directly to the providers at the bases medical facilities. The physician and the mental health provider can then devise an appropriate care plan. Treating mental health with the no questions asked attitude that physical health is treated is the only way to break the stigma and regain trust. The chain of reporting should be from the mental health professional to the medical clinic, who would then report the plan to a command team. This ensures more confidentiality and creates additional insight for a commander to make appropriate decisions about a service members mental health.

According to the Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), the three military campaigns since 2001 have resulted in 6,828 lives lost to combat; yet since 2006, over 3,400 active duty military members have died by their own hands. This number is almost half of the total losses that the enemy has inflicted on our armed forces. DoD policies have not gone far enough to establish trust in the militarys mental health system. It is time to face the fact that service members are not getting the help they need for fear of consequences to their careers.

Until a policy and trust are established that allows service members to treat their mental health with the same dignity and understanding that physical health is treated, lives will continue to be lost.

Call the director, Dr. Karin A. Orvis, of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office at (703) 614-8840 or visit their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DSPOmil/ and demand this policy change.

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If you, or someone you know, needs help, support is available 24/7. Service members and their families can call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647, or chat at militaryonesource.mil.

Service members, veterans, and their loved ones can also call the Military and Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat at veteranscrisisline.net, or text to 838255. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to anyone by calling 1-800-273-8255 (dspo.mil).

Sloan Fischer is a master of social work student at the University of Southern California. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Washington State University. She is an Army wife and a daughter of an Army veteran.

Thomas Weisner is a retired Air Force POL. He is now a master of social work candidate at the University of Southern California.

Continued here:
Why the military should treat mental health the same as physical health - Military Times

Since Princes William and Harry spoke out in 2017 in the UK and launched the Heads Together campaign, mental health has been firmly on the business agenda.But are we missing a great opportunity by not making the health and wellbeing of our employees a key strategic priority?

We all agree that the stigma of mental ill-health must be smashed.This issue is personal to me, having managed my challenges of bipolar disorder under the radar for 15 years.I owned my own business yet still felt the need to put physio in my diary every time I went to see my therapist.My lightbulb moment came when I heard campaigner, Geoff McDonald, share his story of anxiety and depression and the loss of his friend to suicide.My eyes were opened to the movement that was forming to create mentally healthy workplaces.From that moment I decided to share my story and look for a way to contribute.

We need more CEOs and those in positions of leadership come out and talk about their mental health.

The Duke of Cambridge, Davos 2019

As we reach adult life, our role models are predominantly drawn from the workplace.Yes, we will look to our sporting heroes and celebrities, but we better relate to those that lead the organisations where we spend most of our time. The problem is that, because of the stigma of mental illness, we do not have enough of our workplace leaders who are leading on the mental health agenda.This was the message that I heard consistently in 2017 and this was the problem that I decided to try and help address.

The LeaderBoard is a list of senior leaders (CEO and 3 stages removed or equivalent) who have all experienced a mental health challenge and are prepared to be open about this fact.

The concept of the power list has been well used in other areas of inclusion and diversity with theDeloitte Out50in Australia having a significant impact in relation to showcasing diverse role models on the LGBTQ agenda.Could this be done for mental ill-health?InsideOut is a UK not for profit, formed to do just this.

Showcasing a list of role models is important for two main reasons:

The inaugural UKInsideOut LeaderBoardwas published in the Sunday Times in March 2019 and featured 42 trailblazing role models from a range of industries and size of organisation with a significant impact from social media, in particular the #SmashingTheSigma campaign on LinkedIn.

Anyone who speaks out and shares their story of mental ill-health is a role model and creates a ripple.If we generate enough ripples, we have a wave and it is this wave that will smash the stigma.Why, therefore, are senior leader role models so important?

When our leaders speak out and get behind the mental health agenda, they start the process of culture change. Initially, the culture shifts to one where it is OK to put your hand up and say that you are struggling with mental ill-health. It is OK to seek help and, in some cases, receive adjustments to your role.However, the culture change does not end there as the emphasis expands outwards from the people who are struggling and need help to include everybody else in the workplace.We end up creating cultures that encourage everyone to proactively manage their mental health and wellbeing.We move to a culture of prevention and one that truly values the humans that are the greatest assets of the workplace.

We see this culture change happen almost overnight in smaller businesses.

Mark Twigg is one of the Founding Directors of Cicero, the UKs leading financial PR business.Mark shared his story of clinical depression with the whole business over 2 years ago. Immediately, 7 or 8 people shared details of their struggles and some received adjustments to their roles.Mark believes that two people are still in post and thriving as a result as opposed to being lost to the business.

Rob Agnew had heard about the positive attitude towards mental health at Cicero before applying for a role.He felt comfortable in disclosing that he experiences bipolar disorder in the interview process.18 months after joining the firm, he has not had an episode of mania and puts this largely down to the fact that he can be open and himself at work.Furthermore, Mark himself has not experienced an episode of depression in the same timescale. Check out their interviewhere.

Every leader in the workplace has a personal story of mental ill-health.There is no CEO on the planet who has not experienced times of extreme stress; under-recovery; lack of sleep; bereavement or relationship breakup.There is also no CEO on the planet who does not experience mental health and wellbeing, one of the most beautiful and amazing things about being human.We all have a story where our metal health is concerned.The InsideOut Photography Exhibition showcases some of these stories of mental ill-health from the Leaders of our UK workplaces in this powerfulvideo.

Mental ill-health does not discriminate by nationality, by ethnicity, by gender or by bank balance. However, the stigma associated with mental illness is definitely not distributed evenly.You are much more likely to disclose a struggle with mental ill-health in a UK workplace than you would in Japan, or the Middle East or Asia.This is why we must work on smashing the stigma everywhere.

I pledge to bring the InsideOut LeaderBoard concept to all global regions in the next few years

Why am I doing this?

Because it is the right thing to do.

This year, we have launched the InsideOut LeaderBoard concept in the United States, Continental Europe and Australia.Seeherefor the US launch video. We are very keen on working with organisations across all of these territories to showcase senior leader role models and help inspire workplace cultures where everyone feels able to ask for help if they are experiencing a mental health challenge.

It was really interesting to see an evolution of the purpose of our corporations coming out of the Business Roundtable in the US recently. It is encouraging to see that investment in employees and impact on communities are being thought of as core purpose, alongside the creation of shareholder value.I would have liked to see the prioritisation of the mental health and wellbeing of employees more explicitly stated within this.

In his first month as HSBCs Group CEO, John Flint announced the vision of Creating the healthiest human system in financial services.The UKs Environment Agency has a core value of work being a life enhancing experience.We have seen a recent wellbeing budget in New Zealand and there are calls for measures of health and happiness to replace GDP growth as the measure of success of our economies.If we prioritise the wellbeing of our employees, will this result in a reduction in the growth shareholder value?Personally, I think that the reverse will be the case.

We need more hard data to back this up but there are good examples out there.Anglian Water in the UK have measured the return on investment in all of their mental health and wellbeing interventions and calculate and 8:1 return.What CFO would not take those sorts of returns in their investment decisions?

Treating the investment in the mental health and wellbeing of our employees as a strategic priority or core value is a very good business decision as well as simply being the right thing to do.

We have to smash the stigma of mental ill-health before any other interventions will fully work. Does your organisation have a senior leader role model who would be interested in exploring participating in the InsideOut LeaderBoard? If so, please contact me at[emailprotected]or nominate a leader on thewebsite.

We need our leaders to get behind the mental health agenda to realise this opportunity. One way they can do this is by signing up to theInsideOut Leadership Charter, a set of 7 principles that will catalyse meaningful change from including mental health and wellbeing on Board agendas to having a Board level sponsor.

The Global InsideOut LeaderBoards will be published on Thrive Global in 2020 as well as in local national publications.Watch this space..

You say tomato, I say tomato.I am British so use the term wellbeing.However, given that I tend to capitalize randomly for the InsideOut LeaderBoard maybe we could all agree on WellBeing?

But, if you are a US CEO who treats the Well-being of your employees as a strategic priority then, frankly, I dont care how you spell it..

Either way, Be Well.

Rob Stephensonis the Founder of the InsideOut LeaderBoard, Co-Founder of the InsideOut Mental Health Awards and Chief Catalyst of BetterSpace.

This article has been adapted for Thrive Global from a piece originally penned for the UKs Institute of Directors.

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Mental Health: One of the great business leadership opportunities of our time? - Thrive Global

It's K-Pop Week! Teen Vogue is exploring the popular music genre with articles that explore its origins, biggest stars, and intricacies.

From Billie Eilish recently opening up about her panic attacks to Ariana Grande canceling meet-and-greets to preserve her mental energy, there is a growing openness and understanding of mental health when it comes to some of todays biggest pop stars. And as American musicians become more candid about mental health, conversation and activation around the topic in the world of K-pop are also slowly but surely becoming more acceptable.

In an industry that often recruits its artists as teens to train and prep them for years before deciding if they're ready to make their musical debut, the K-pop scene requires long-standing dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Even for those who do not take the typical K-pop star route through one of the various idol-generating entertainment companies, South Korean society is notably tough with loads of pressure put on young people and students. The country consistently has one of the highest death by suicide rates in the worldthe second-highest among developed nations and experts continue to point out that theres a lack of resources for those struggling with mental health.

Recently, the world has faced two tragedies with how this stigma may affect the K-pop scene. Beloved singer Kim Jong-hyun, a member of boy band SHINee, reportedly died by suicide during December 2017. The day after this death, a colleague reportedly shared a message from Kim in which he wrote that he was broken from inside and said his depression wasnt taken seriously. Tragedy struck again earlier in October when Sulli, a singer-actress and former member of girl group f(x), also passed away unexpectedly from what is suspected to be suicide. Sulli was beloved within the world of K-pop, often going against the grain and being vocal about her longtime struggle dealing with malicious commenters and rumors following her career for years.

"K-pop stars usually make their debut during important formative years of their youth," New York-based physician and health expert Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe tells Teen Vogue. "They may face the continuous stress of intense schedules, sleep deprivation, and the daunting pressure to be 'perfect' in the public eye."

The idea of being perfect as a K-pop artistor an "idol," as they're known in Korea hinting toward their need to be ideal, perfect humansis felt in everything from the way they sing and dance to their mannerisms on television with a heavy emphasis on their looks and physique. In Korea's highly digitally connected society, public opinion and perception are often swayed by ruthless online comments and social-networking sites. Fans also often police their personal lives, even criticizing them when theyre seen with someone that theyre potentially dating.

At one of America's largest gathering of K-pop fans, KCON Los Angeles, health was on fans' minds. Two well-attended panel sessions at the convention tackled the topic of mental health in K-pop head on while The Los Angeles Times highlighted how artists help create safe spaces and communities for different kinds of people to come together.

Despite how willing fans are to discuss these topics, the stars are usually more tight-lippedthough it's unclear whose choice that is. When bringing up the subject of mental health and self-care in various interviews, many artists choose to stray away from the topic or turn the question around to present it as tips to help their fans instead of sharing anything too personal. In fact, one artist's management team appeared so concerned about the topic of hardships as a K-pop star that they refused Teen Vogue to allow the question entirely.

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Talking About Mental Health Is Still Taboo in K-Pop, But Things Are Changing - Teen Vogue

A life like Lamb Of God vocalist Randy Blythes deserves a suitably raucous soundtrack. And even in death, hes not planning on going outquietly

The first song I rememberhearing

Lipps, Inc Funkytown (1979)

It was probably something from church like Amazing Grace, but as far as more contemporary, recorded songs go, Im a child of the 70s and there was a lot of disco back then. I remember hearing Funkytown, which was everywhere at the time. It was when terrestrial radio ruled and you couldnt download a bazillion songs at once. You were stuck with whatever was on the radio. I grew up in a rural area, so it wasnt exactly a hotbed of undergroundmusic.

The first song I ever fell in lovewith

KISS I Was Made For Loving You (1979)

When I was growing up, the most edgy thing that I liked was this KISS song. The theatrics dragged me in like pretty much every other kid with any sense in the 70s, and for a couple of years on every Halloween I painted my face like Gene Simmons. Ironically, many years later Gene Simmons was being played some Lamb Of God music for an article a lot like this one. He said, They sound very talented, but the singer sucks! What is this terrible singing? I thought that was pretty freakin funny.

The song that made me want to be in aband

Corrosion Of Conformity Hungry Child (1985)

I got into bands by accident. I liked music, but I had no desire to actually be in a band myself. One time though, I was about 14 and an older dude was driving a bunch of us to go skating in Wilmington, North Carolina and he was playing Corrosion Of Conformity. This song came on and I was singing along with it. He said, Damn, you can really do that. You ought to be in a band,kid.

The song that got me into the mosttrouble

The Cult Born To Be Wild (1987)

I was in a horrible car wreck when I was in high school. I wasnt driving, but the driver was listening to The Cults cover of Born To Be Wild and they ran into a ditch. My buddys date was up front and her head hit the windshield. She had a lump on her head, but it could have been a lot worse. I wasnt even supposed to be out, so that got me into a goodly amount of trouble. It was not a good night.

The song that reminds me oflove

Depeche Mode Stripped (1986)

It could be any song off Depeche Modes Black Celebration really, because my first girlfriend loved that LP. She listened to The Cures Head On The Door album a lot too, but Ive since disassociated that one with the relationship. That Depeche Mode record is still very much linked to her. As an aside, if you want heartache-laced, ex-girlfriend songs, I recommend you try anything by theDescendents.

The song I cant listen to anymore

Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven (1971)

There are so many overplayed records in the world, but the big one is Stairway To Heaven. I absolutely love Led Zeppelin, but I cannot listen to Stairway ever again. Its fucking brutal how played-to-death it is. Dont get me wrong, its an epic song with a great solo, but I dont want to nor do I need to hear it anymore.

The first song I moshedto

Bad Brains Sailin' On (1982)

Its a tall order to pick one song thats ridiculously specific. I saw a lot of punk bands at an early age and I was definitely slam-dancing and flipping off stages to all of them. It was probably during Bad Brains in the 80s, because I remember destroying stuff to them. Theyre still my favourite band. But dude, Im nearly 50 and its all a bit of a blur (laughs).

The song that picks me up when Imdown

Bad Brains Attitude (1982)

This is kind of self-explanatory: Dont care what they may say, we got that attitude / Dont care what they may do, we got that attitude / Hey, we got the PMA. They were all about that positive mental attitude and an absolute refusal to let the world grind them down. Ive actually had a rough couple of days, so Im going to go listen to thatnow.

The song Im most proudof

Lamb Of God King Me (2012)

The song is about waking up and living life on lifes own terms. I recorded that not long after I got sober, and it was a pivotal, transitional time in my life. So it means a lot tome.

The song Id like played at myfuneral

The Jesus Lizard 7 Vs. 8 (1980)

I have my funeral planned. Its going to be a weeklong affair and really offensive. I hope people will remember me as a fucking asshole (laughs), so Im trying to figure out how to offend everyone I know once Im dead, but this festival of awfulness wont be happening any timesoon.

Lamb Of God are touring the UK next spring with Kreator and Power Trip. Get your ticketshere.

Lamb Of God UK tour2020

April

21 Bristol O2 Academy22 Manchester Academy23 Glasgow O2 Academy24 Birmingham O2 Academy25 London O2 AcademyBrixton

Posted on October 24th 2019, 1:00pm

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Lamb Of God's Randy Blythe: The 10 Songs That Changed My Life - Kerrang!

A clip of R&B sensation Summer Walkers performance on NPRs Tiny Desk went viral this past week after critics labeled it lackluster. Not only did that assessment dismiss the decidedly somber aesthetic the singer has crafted over time, it also exemplified a widespread disregard for Black women struggling with their mental health.

During Walkers set, which was released last Friday, the relatively new star sat on a stool with her shoulders slumped as she nervously sang Playing Games, a song off her debut album, Over It. She held on tight to her pink stuffed animal named Friend, a form of emotional support during the performance. Look, Im really freaking excited to be here, but I have social anxiety like a motherfucker, the 23-year-old disclosed. So, yeah. Im freaked the hell out. Im sweating. But this is so exciting for me.

Tiny Desk is a popular platform for artists to bring their showmanship to an intimate space, so viewers probably expected Walker to emotively sway her body back and forth, and embellish her lyrics for dramatic effect. When she did the opposite, many wrote her off as disengaged and ungrateful for the opportunity. One critic wrote in a now-deleted tweet, This is exactly why I refuse to go up for the new R&B girls. Another tweeted, I dont care how good yall think her album is or isnt... performances like this is disrespectful to R&B. One person commented on her attitude, tweeting, Summer walkers attitude is ridiculous lol I understand she doesnt like the fame but u took that chance when u wanted to become a singer. Fix your face sis.

But if Walker has admitted to suffering from social anxiety, which evidently affects her demeanor during live performances, is it fair to conflate her presentation with a lack of effort based on a 47-second viral clip lifted from a near 15-minute-long upload?

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America defines social anxiety disorder (SAD) or social phobia as intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. The disorder affects 6.8 percent of the population. Although white Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, Black women researchers like Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD, found that it is under-diagnosed and understudied for African-Americans, especially Black women. Because of common stereotypes Black women face, their anxiety is often wrongly perceived as anger or a bad attitude.

Some fans also shared a screenshot of an Instagram post Walker had apparently written about having social anxiety in the past (the date is not shown in the now-deleted post). It affects your occupational performance, she wrote. It affects romantic relationships, friendships (which I have none ) & pretty much throws you into depression. Later in the post, well-aware of her public image, Walker confesses, This aint a sob story, just a lot of plp (sic) dont know me so they take me as being rude or difficult to [get] close to.

SAD (social anxiety disorder) is far more complex than simple shyness and occasional anxiety, Dr. Lekeisha A. Sumner, Ph.D., commented via email Monday (Oct. 21). According to Dr. Sumner, an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLAs Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, social anxiety disorder can be chronic, debilitating and cause sufferers to avoid threatening situations or endure high levels of distress. It can potentially impede functioning in one's social, [professional], educational and [romantic] activities. And if left untreated, those affected are at higher risk for other psychological disorders.

We know now that Walker is not merely timid or flippant, and that her issues can not be prescribed rest and recovery, or even vocal or media training. To presume that the artists condition is something that can be simply fixed in the first place dismisses the very real possibility that the issue may be chronic. With Black womens bodies, behaviors and emotions policed more than that of any other group, if Walkers struggles with social anxiety arent already chronic, the stressors of the music industry are bound to create an environment in which theyre at least persistent.

To add, the demands of an artist in the digital age are unique, in that musicians are now expected to deliver faster and be more visible. There are several cautionary tales of Black women artists fading to the background before their time, unable to manage their mental health issues under stress of the machine that consumed them. Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill and Azealia Banks are a few examples. Listeners dont have to enjoy Walkers reserved form of artistry, but her harshest critics should be mindful of the fact that shes facing something more complicated than they realize.

I view her as courageous to disclose her human vulnerabilities, Dr. Sumner explains, and I sense that far more people are with her than are critics. Like so many other celebrities who have disclosed their emotional challenges, she is giving voice to those suffering from SAD. Some artists desire an audience who will appreciate their talent alone and refuse to compromise their values or contort themselves for the whims of the high-pressured, dizzyingly world of celebrity.

Those who empathize with Walkers condition say that the scrutiny shes facing is rooted in misogynoir, and the specific contempt Black women face in society due to their race and gender.

Yall want Black women to perform for yall so badly, writer and editor Brooklyn White wrote on Twitter Saturday (Oct. 19). Yall complain and beg us to alter our entire being, set our comfort zones ablaze, and conform to ideas of what we should be so yall can be pleased and comfortable.

Filmmaker Nikyatu Jusu also chimed in adding, Our Blackness does not make us inherent wind-up dolls, perpetually boisterous for your consumption. She continued, We are allowed to be meek, anxious, subdued I just rarely see the default projection of attitude placed on lethargic white/white proximal singers.

To Jusus point, brooding white singers Lorde or Billie Ellish have also spoken openly about how anxiety affects their performancestestimonials that have been met with overwhelming support. Rarely do we ever see the same sort of understanding offered to Black women artists with similar struggles. For the most part, the public largely remains silent on the issue of Black womens mental health, only to then celebrate their success stories.

Earlier in her career, Beyonc famously discussed embodying her alter-ego Sasha Fierce to conquer her nerves before going onstage. Today, the HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM performer is considered one of the most electrifying live acts on the planet. But Walkers journey should be given space to be unique, as experiences with anxiety may vary for different artists depending on their triggers and how severe their condition is.

Symptoms of social anxiety specifically can manifest in extraordinarily high levels of distress that include ruminations, negative thoughts and beliefs, difficulties with concentration and regulating attention, speech block, trembling, nausea, diarrhea, heart palpitations and a crushing sense of doom, according to Dr. Sumner. Any situation that involves potential social evaluation and social harm, especially by strangers, can be triggering to someone living with the condition. A person has to determine whether unclear environmental stimuli and events are threatening, Dr. Sumner added.

The NPR performance was the most open Walker has been about how her condition affects her. Though fans who have been following the singer closely this past year know shes alluded to struggles with visibility in previous interviews and on social media, often confessing she prefers solitude.

She echoed this again in October to fellow songbird Ari Lennox in their Apple Music conversation, aligned with the central theme of Walkers album, Over It. Less manufactured than most series in which two artists who otherwise dont know each other are forced to interact, Lennox and Walkers chat feels like two new-yet-close friends bonding as they sip wine and reveal everything in life theyre currently over and done with. Topics range from men, to waxing, to lace front wigs.

Toward the end of the conversation, Walker reveals shes also over performing live. In response to Lennox asking What are we gonna do outside of this? Walker quips, somewhat tragically, Go home and live a lovely, normal life. If thats the price Black women artists have to pay for suffering from social anxiety, the public has undoubtedly failed them as fans, critics and consumers.

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Summer Walkers Battle With Social Anxiety Is A Teachable Moment For Fans And Critics - BET

Rather than shopping, some in South Jersey took to trails. Produced by Phaedra Trethan

The Rancocas Nature Center is a beautiful escape into nature any time of year.(Photo: Courier-Post file)

Dr. Jeffrey Pinto, a Virtua internal medicine physician at Medford Family Practice, and his wife Dr. Jackie Riedel, a family practice physician with Virtua, enjoy hiking together.

They recently completed a four-day back packing trip in the Grand Canyon.

Hiking provides benefits not only to the body but helps nourish the mind, says Pinto. Stepping away from our busy lives, smart phone screensetc., helps reduce stress. Also, time spent in nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Hiking has an array of physical and mental health benefits, and autumn's crisp air andbreathtaking foliage provide the perfect incentives to give this form of exercise a try.

Hiking is a great cardiovascular workoutand, depending upon the type of trail you are on, the exercise intensity can be varied to suit your needs, says Pinto. In addition to being good aerobic exercise, hiking challenges your proprioception (awareness of your body in space) and develops muscles that aid in balance.

Pinto suggests most people should try and get 30 minutes of exercise daily, however any effort to increase physical activity will result in improved health.For example, Pinto says he walks around the building before starting his day and again midday in between patients.

An experienced hiker, Pinto has some pointers for newbies.

If you are new to hiking, make sure you have a map or PDFprintout of the trail that you will be on, he recommends. Let someone else know where you will be. You should always bring food and water. Protect against ticks and mosquitoes with long sleeves, pants and bug spray.

Fall colors have arrived at the Rancocas Nature Center in Westampton.(Photo: Courier-Post file)

Natalie Madanick, a holistic health coach, also enjoys walking trails for exercise. Twoof her favorite in the region areBlueberry Hill in Gibbsboro and Wissahicken Park in Philadelphia. Her business, http://www.onewholelife.net, was foundedto help others live healthy lives by addressing all aspects of their physical and mental wellness.

Nature grounds me, Madanicksays. Smelling the fresh air and looking at the beautiful trees and changing leaves is a huge mood booster. And, depending on the length and type of hike you choose to go on, a person can burn between 350 to 600 calories doing this exercise. Hiking lowers blood pressure, improves balance and digestion, builds the immune system, improves cognitive brain function,and reduces osteoporosis, inflammation and heart disease.

Hiking is also a good exercise to do with family or friends, says Madanick.

Family and friends can help you exercise and keep you in check, she says. Plus, it's a great way to spend time together.

After spending a beautiful autumn day on the trails, Madanick suggests continuing the fall enjoy enjoyment with a healthy, hearty, seasonal dinner such as rosemary chicken and vegetables. See recipe below.

Dr. Steven Davis, of Davis Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery with offices in Cherry Hill, Philadelphia and Northfield, says most of his patients ask him how they can look younger, and his response is to stay active and exercise.

The desire to age gracefully is not just about cosmetic surgery to look younger, says Davis. It's important that people do their part with exercise and having a healthy lifestyle to make sure their bodies and minds stay as youthful as possible.

Hiking, says Davis, is a good way to keep active and stay in shape.

I always feel like fall is the start of a new year, with the changing leaves and brisk weather, he says. Hiking now is probably at its peak. And hiking has many physical benefits and stimulates mental attitude. It is something new and exciting to enjoy in these upcoming months.

It's also a good exercise for those who are getting older and still want to find a way to stay active.

"Some of my patients have been doing a very physical exercise regime daily, and then as they get older this regime starts to bring them discomfort, he says. Hiking is a good way to continue their enthusiasm of exercising without bringing them as much pain. It's also a fabulous exercise to do with friends and is much more interesting than walking a treadmill.

National Hiking Day is on Sunday, Nov. 17 but you don't have to wait until then to try one of these great hiking destinations:

Batona Trail Getting its name from the words Back to Nature, this more than 50- miles-long trail is a must to see the beauty of autumn. It takes about three days to hike the entire trail, which begins in the Brendon T. Byrne State Park and continues through Franklin Park Preserve, Wharton State Forest and Bass River State Forest. For more information, visitnjparksandforests.org/parks/docs/batona14web.pdf.

Blueberry Hill Trails This walk is short, about .07 miles, but offers more trails off the main one and beautiful views of fall foliage. Climb to the top of the hill for views of Philadelphia. Blueberry Trail is at 178 Berlin Road, Gibbsboro.southjerseytrails.org/2013/04/16/blueberry-hill-trails-gibbsboro-nj/

Cheesequake State Park is a fun place to hike with friends and family.(Photo: Julio Cortez, AP)

Cheesequake State Park There are five different trails for hikers at this Middlesex County park, which uniquely lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems salt water marshes andupland forests. The Nature Center offers wildlife historical exhibits and Native American early colonization information. For more, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequake.html.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area During the fall, hike the 7.5-mile scenic trail that passesButtermilk Falls (New Jersey's highest waterfall),Cater Lakeand Hemlock Pond. This trail takes about sixhours, and is located in Layton, Sussex County. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. For more information about the Delaware Water Gap, visit https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/index.html

Historic Smithville Park and Smith's Woods This 312-acre park offers different terrains, forests, meadows, streams and the 22-acre Smithville Lake. It is a treasure to visit during the fall, when the changing leaves pop with color around the trails. The Smith's Woods area offers a pavilions and picnic areas with grills, a butterfly garden, playground and restrooms. Historic Smithville Park is at 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton. For more, visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/948/Historic-Smithville-Park.

Nothing says fall like Hacklebarney State Park in Long Valley and Chester.(Photo: Bob Makin/staff photo)

Hacklebarney State Park The freshwater Black River crosses through this state park's rocky terrain, which is home to three endangered plant species the American ginseng, leatherwood and the Virginia pennywort. Wildlife is abundant, and hikers can spot more than 100 bird species, black bears, woodchucks, deer and fox. The park is at 119 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley. For more information, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/hackle.html.

Rancocas State Park The freshwater tidal marsh and upland and lowland hardwood forests at the Rancocas State Park give hikers ample opportunities to see a variety of birds and animals, as well as the colorful fall leaves. The park is home to the Rancocas Nature Center, where visitors can learn much about the environment and park. The park is at 794 Rancocas Road, Westampton. For more, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/rancocas.html.

Sourland Mountain Preserve.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Somerset County Park System)

Sourland Mountain Preserve Five miles of fall foliage awaits hikers on the Ridge Trail. So does a variety of nesting birds like the Summer Tanager, Winter Wren and Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees. The preserve is at 421 East Mountain Road, Hillsborough, Somerset County. For more, visithttp://www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksfacilities/sourland/sourlandmtpreserve.html

Wenonah Woods Enjoy the crisp fall air and bright foliage while hiking the 6-mile trail at Wenonah Woods. A trail map is recommended because some trails are not clearly marked. Wenonah Woods is off of Jefferson Avenue., Wenonah. For more information, visit http://www.wenonahenvironmentalcommission.org/.

Wissahicken Gorge The Wissahicken Gorge is home to 50 miles of hiking trails, beautiful sculptures, historic structures and Philadelphia's only remaining covered bridge. Its 1,800 acres, located in Northwest Philadelphia, has breathtaking fall foliage during the autumn months, and features steep, wooded hillsides. For more information, visit http://www.fow.org/visit-the-park/the-wissahickon-gorg

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Hiking is great exercise: Here are 10 places to hit the trails this fall - Courier Post