Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Re: Help for Post Hike Depression:PHD

Karen Keller
re: Help for Post Hike Depression: PHD
5 messages
Karen Keller Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 7:36 AM
To: pct-l
Dear Pct friends,
You guys are the BEST! Thank you all for your encouraging words of wisdom. I realize now how incredibly lucky I am. Even though my hike didn't turn out exactly as planned, I have been given more hours on the trail this season than many of my friends at home have in a lifetime. I have seen sunrises and sunsets, breathtaking vistas and stunning flowers of all varieties in bloom. Although most days were prefect walking weather, I also got to experience the heat, cold, wind, rain and even a little snow. I have been blessed with all of the incredible beauty and diversity of the PCT's Southern California landscape right in my own back yard. Best of all, I have been enriched by the fellowship of the like-minded souls who passed me on the trail daily and the unexpected kindness of trail angels and strangers along the way. How can I remain depressed? Is anyone richer than I? Thank you for helping me to see past my disappointment. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go and put on my hiking shoes (well said, Yoshihiro) and grab my water bottle. The beautiful world outside waits! If that were not good enough, here at home, I can even bring my dog along!
With love and gratitude,
Special K
Trish Clayburgh Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 8:20 AM
To: Karen Keller
Most excellent! I could say exactly the same. We are among a small group of very lucky souls on the planet!

I have a great picture in my mind of you and your dog out there, smiling and bee bopping along. Good on ya!

Trish Wild, RN, PhD
The Equine Nomad
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Ken Powers Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 10:10 AM
To: Karen Keller
Bravo!
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Scott Williams Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 12:50 PM
To: Karen Keller
Special K,

Just another thanks for the wonderful hospitality you showed us all last year. That dinner at your place was wonderful!

Shroomer

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Donna "L-Rod" Saufley Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 7:07 PM
Reply-To: "Donna \"L-Rod\" Saufley"
To: Karen Keller , pct-l
That's the spirit, Special K!!!


-----Original Message-----
>From: Karen Keller
>Sent: Jun 21, 2011 7:36 AM
>To: pct-l
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Help for Post Hike Depression: PHD
>
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Fwd: PCT Reentry Blues: PHD



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <alohakai2@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Subject: PCT Reentry Blues: PHD
To: karen.kellerford@gmail.com


Hi Karen,

I saw your post on the pct-l about PHD.  If misery loves company, then you & I would have a blast right now if we were hanging out.

I don't have an answer for PHD, but I speculate that Billy Goat might.  If you don't stop hiking, then you'll never be depressed! 

'Life' in the 'real' world is so incredibly boring, mundane, monotonous, and just downright insane compared to the thru-hiking lifestyle that I think the only way hikers can find fulfillment/joy/happiness in society is to find some type of activity that is truly inspiring (which is hard to find).

My primary focus is metaphysics/spirituality & since the best place to listen to the 'still small voice' of God is in the wilderness, that is where I often feel that I need to be. It is also the only place on earth where I truly feel that I belong.   Escaping from the distraction & insanity of the rat race provides a wonderful opportunity to commune with God.

You might enjoy my last entry in my newest trailjournal:

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=351537

Anyways, I hope that you recover from the PHD and that I we cross paths next year on the PCT.  (yes I might just walk it again - third time was definitely a charm, fourth time's a ....?)

I'm off to Maine to hike the AT southbound (starting in early July) and then maybe the Florida Trail or biking cross-country to San Diego & my favorite long distance trail on earth!  The Crest is definitely the best.


Happy Trails,
freebird

PS Have you heard from Tom Fisher recently?  I've emailed him a couple times, but no response...

From: "karen.kellerford@gmail.com" <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>
To: Dave Osborn <alohakai2@yahoo.com>
Cc: karen.kellerford@gmail.com; rides@pct77.org
Sent: Mon, April 12, 2010 7:01:31 AM
Subject: ADZPCTKO Ridesharing

Hi Free Bird! I can take you to the kick off (and where ever else you might need to go) from the Cajon pass on Thursday if you haven't already arranged a ride.

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Fwd: Depression



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Susan Alcorn <backpack45@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Subject: Depression
To: karen.kellerford@gmail.com


Hi Karen,
I haven't been exactly in your shoes, but I think I can relate. In fact I have thought about writing about it in depth. Looking at it objectively, you hiked 300 miles, which is probably more miles than 95% (wild estimate) of the population has ever done. You undoubtedly spent tons of hours planning, dreaming about, preparing for, and training for this hike -- I think anyone would feel disappointed.

Finally, I have found that after any major hike, I feel rather depressed for a while and I attribute that to the sudden decrease in exercise, which will affect your hormonal levels of serotonin among other things.

Finally, you are in excellent company this year. Lots of people are bailing out on both the PCT and CDT because of the incredible snowpack -- no shame in that -- probably very wise. In addition many hikers are doing flipflops, are skipping from place to place trying to piece together a thru-hike.

Anyway, sorry you had to stop your hike, but the trail will be there in years to come and perhaps you will want to give it another try later on. I completed the PCT as a section hiker over many years; not everyone finds thru-hiking to be a good fit. Good luck to you, hope you feel better soon. Savor your successes.

Susan Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
www.backpack45.com and backpack45.blogspot.com
http://www.examiner.com/hiking-in-san-francisco/susan-alcorn
Publishers of two award-winning books: Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago and We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers.




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Fwd: [pct-l] Help for Post hike depression:PHD



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Spring <kjssail@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 2:25 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Help for Post hike depression:PHD
To: karen.kellerford@gmail.com


Hi Karen -

A couple of years ago i started out of Campo, and I got as far as Mojave before I came down with a severe pull of my Achilles tendon.  I limped on into Kennedy Meadows, where I gave it up.  I had been planning on doing a thru hike, but my body intervened.  I'm in my mid-60's, and I wasn't in great shape, but just fair shape.  I thought that I would get into shape on the trail somewhat.  Well, every body is different, and when I was 30 I would (maybe) have been a hot-shot, but at twice that age, I am a bit worn out.

So I went home and spent a lot of time - 3 months - in PT, and tried to get into better shape.  A year and a bit later I hiked across Oregon - I hiked SoBo, because of a number of factors.  I live in Portland, and it is easier to access the trail at the north end from here.   Plus - and this is a big one - I wanted to hike against the "current". 

It was great.  I met all the 20/30 year old hotshots, most of the 60/70 year old slowpokes and a whole bunch in between.  I figured out that the trail was much more interesting to see at my pace, and going SoBo I was doing my pace.  Only once or twice did I hike with other folks.  Nice - I like the solitude.

Now - what I did to overcome my depression, and I did feel some after crashing at Kennedy Meadows, was to get busy at building my body a bit better and stronger than before, and to concentrate on other dreams.  Hiking is not the only thing in the world, although while you are hiking it seems like it is.  Also, I got away from the PCT-L...  It is taken prisoner by the thru-hiking crowd.  (many people who frequent it never have thru-hiked, but just like to hang out with that mythical crowd.)  I use it once in awhile - and then I turn it off.  It is mostly blather, and it makes you think that it is failure to not be able to hike the whole PCT in 4 months.  Even if you are 25 years old, and a sturdy marathon runner, there are plenty of things that might stop the thru from happening.  Injury is just one.  Loneliness, nerves, bad planning and logistics, hiking with fools, etc.  There are a lot of folks on the trail that are quite wonderful - but I was frequently bumping into a merry group of drunks on my hike out of Campo.  That left me bothered, although not as much as the Achilles...

Well, good luck - the advice about doing some other physical work-outs is good, and just realize - there is so much more out there that is wonderful then just being able to call yourself a thru-hiker...

take care, Spring


[pct-l] Help for Post hike depression:PHD


I am familiar with PTSD. Is there also help for someone suffering from PHD?
Hiked only about 300 miles, planned to make it all the way.
Life intervened and through no ones fault but my own, plans changed. Here I
am home with no hope of getting to Canada this year, although I will keep
chipping away at the miles as I am able, I love being on the trail. I am
just too slow. Is anyone else out there grappling with the
same disappointment? I would be interested to know how you handled it. (No
"I told you so's" please, I feel bad enough)..


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Help for Post hike depression:PHD

Gmail Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>
Help for Post hike depression:PHD
10 messages
Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 12:00 PM
I am familiar with PTSD. Is there also help for someone suffering from PHD? Hiked only about 300 miles, planned to make it all the way. Life intervened and through no ones fault but my own, plans changed. Here I am home with no hope of getting to Canada this year, although I will keep chipping away at the miles as I am able, I love being on the trail. I am just too slow. Is anyone else out there grappling with the same disappointment? I would be interested to know how you handled it. (No "I told you so's" please, I feel bad enough)..
Guthrie Nutter <guthrie.nutter@gmail.com> Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 2:49 PM
To: Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>
I'm realizing I may not make it in one year as well.  So I'm just making the most of it, and taking plenty of pictures and embracing the beauty of the experience.  If you want to read on: www.guthrienutter.com is a good site.  If people pass me, so what.  Maybe they'll make it, maybe they won't.  I'm seeing that everyone is having their own obstacles and I am fighting the temptation to project my reasons onto them.  It still comes up now and then, but not as intense as before....I hope you've been able to enjoy the magic.  *smile*

Hugs,

Guthrie

- G -
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Ken Powers <ken@gottawalk.com> Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 3:38 PM
To: Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>
Karen, you will remember your hike as one of life's greatest joys. Really.
Wait a few weeks,or months, and your disappointment will change to fond
memories of hiking. Then you'll be ready to go again, and again, and again.

Ken
www.GottaWalk.com
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Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker@gmail.com>Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 5:25 PM
To: Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>
Dear Karen

I have no experience of depression, but I know how to treat depressive
feeling. There are three techniques: medication, psychotherapy, and
physical exercise.

1. The anti-depressant medication will improve your feeling, but it
has bad side effect, and when the medication is over, you will feel
depression again.
2. The cognitive-behavioral therapy improve your feeling, and it has
more continuous effects to depression.  The shortcoming is it need
professional therapist.
3. The physical exercise also improve your feeling, and it also has
more continuous effects to depression. This technique is very simple.
You need to exercise by 30 minute jogging or walking  three times a
week. That is enough. Your feeling will be improved in one month.

I recommend the physical exercise technique, because it is very
simple, and  need no cost, and no professionals. The physical exercise
technique was proved to have effect to cure depressive feeling in the
recent randomized control trial researches.



2011/6/20 Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>:
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--
Sincerely
--------------- --------------------------------------
Hiro    ( Yoshihiro Murakami  村上宣寛 )
Blogs http://completewalker.blogspot.com/
Photo http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
Backpacking since about 1980 in Japan
2009 JMT, the first America.
2010 JMT, the second America.
------------------------------------------------------
Donna Saufley <dsaufley@sprynet.com> Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 6:16 PM
To: Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>
Big hug sent your way.  Now, snap out of it, splash some cold water on your
face and get onto the activity of living life to its fullest.  Banish the
negative thoughts of depression and self criticism. Remember, YOU ARE
WONDERFUL!!! Be comforted that you are far from alone having to give up the
dream of a thru-hike this year. This is a season unlike any we've seen in
recent history.  Besides, section hiking the PCT rocks, and gives you a
better chance of enjoying where you are, which is the secret to happiness.
You've been given a great opportunity to benefit from life's Plan B.  The
trail teaches us it is not about the destination, it's about the journey.
Just like discovering what's around the next bend in the trail, enjoy the
next set of serendipitous adventures.

L-Rod


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces@backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Karen Keller
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2011 12:00 PM
To: pct-l
Subject: [pct-l] Help for Post hike depression:PHD

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Scott Williams <baidarker@gmail.com> Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 8:48 PM
To: Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker@gmail.com>
I agree with the exercise recommendation as it is often as effective as antidepressants, and for the cognitive part, plan your next hike.  You don't have to be fast out there, you just have to be out there.  

I bumped into Helen about a hundred miles south of Mt. Hood last year.  Korean American lady who I thought was about 65 years old or so.  She wasn't very fast, but was lovely to talk to, so we hiked together for awhile.  She  had completed the CA section of the trail several years ago and was now completing OR.  I asked her what got her back on trail and she said, "Oh well, most of my friends have passed on and it was just time I completed the trail."  At that I asked if she minded telling me how old she was and she said, "That's fine, I'm 80 years old."  I then told her she was my hero.  She was beautiful, she was dealing with loss, she was slow, but she was back on trail, doing what she loved.  No reason not to section hike this beautiful trail of ours over time, and at your pace, and let yourself feel good about what you did this year, and how good it's going to feel next time you step onto it again.  You've got a friend for life, and it isn't going anywhere without you.

Shroomer


Trish Clayburgh <trish.wild@yahoo.com>Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 9:07 PM
To: Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>
Hi Karen!

I just loved what Shroomer wrote.

I also "failed" in my attempt to ride the PCT on horseback this year.  My "partner" deserted me, took critical safety gear, and left his lame horse for me to rescue.

It wasn't what I planned!  But in the process, I met amazing kind and generous trail angels, and acquired a fantastic horse who will be ready for the rigors of the PCT one day...

I experience a huge emotional let down, but what saved me and brought me back to joy was doing what I love.  I went to the desert and camped alone with my herd.  In a couple of hours, I was feeling great again, and I am now gearing up to tackle the PCT alone, stronger than ever, and committed to keeping my horses safe and healthy as well as myself.

Disappointment grows from expectations.  I found that letting go of what I wanted to happen and focusing instead on all the good that did happen was the best medicine.

Also,  for me, I'm a lot happier when I eat right and avoid sugar and alcohol.

; -)

Call if you want to chat.  I'd love to hear your stories.

I plan to be back on the trail in July, heading north and skipping the treacherous parts.

You are my hero for admitting your feelings in public and telling the truth about the challenge of the trail!  I would love to be friends with someone as brave and strong as you!

Trish Wild, RN PhD
The Equine Nomad
Trishwild.blitzing.com
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aslive@charter.net <aslive@charter.net> Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 9:08 PM
To: Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com>
Many, if not most PCT hikers are not through hikers, but section hikers who take years to complete the whole thing if they complete it at all. I have been walking the trail for six years and have a lot more to go. That is okay.  Instead of a one year adventure, it has become an odyssey.  I can choose what sections to do and when is the best weather to do them.  I can take my time and enjoy what I am walking through and not worry so much about mileage.  Don't get down on yourself.  enjoy the opportunity.  This is a gift.

Shepherd.
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Bob Bankhead <wandering_bob@comcast.net> Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 9:21 PM
We section hikers have one truly massive advantage over the thru-hikers; we
get to choose when we traverse a given section. That translates to "when
conditions are most likely to be optimal or most convenient for us".
Thru-hikers must take the trail as it comes (and this year they're taking it
in the shorts).

When you're holding down a full time job because your family likes to eat
and vacation time is limited, a thru-hike is not even on the radar screen.




-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces@backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of aslive@charter.net
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2011 9:08 PM
To: Karen Keller
Cc: pct-l
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Help for Post hike depression:PHD
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Karen Keller <karen.kellerford@gmail.com> Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 3:02 PM
Draft To: Bob Bankhead <wandering_bob@comcast.net>
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

PCT mi 179.4 alt. 8139 ft to Fuller Ridge Trailhead mi. 190.5 alt. 7761 ft

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I-10 to Whitewater Nature Preserve

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