View Full Version : Psychology
Storminorman18
10-09-2008, 12:36
I think this belongs here, due to that if one is to be truly healthy, one must be healthy mentally as well. I've have traditionally always hiked with my family, especially my youngest bro since he can keep up! However, I'm planning to do a thru-hike next spring, and no one can go. I guess I need to know the different psychological problems that I might run into because of this. I'm primarily concerned about being lonely to be honest, however I know that there are plenty of people to meet on the trail. Also, if there any psych problems that people ran into I would like to hear about them, just want to be prepared :) thanks!
Gray Blazer
10-09-2008, 12:50
This should be a good thread.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I'm Schizoprenic
And so am I
Hopefullly you won't be running into me. Otherwise all the other WBers are sane.
Footslogger
10-09-2008, 13:05
This should be a good thread.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I'm Schizoprenic
And so am I
Hopefullly you won't be running into me. Otherwise all the other WBers are sane.
=====================================
...and 5 out of 4 schizophrenics feel that way !!
'Slogger
as long as you are going nobo you should have no problems with being alone, you may miss your family and friends at first, but will make plenty of new ones on the trail
Bearpaw88
10-09-2008, 13:13
Hmmm psych problems on trail.
Well one of my friends always says 'we'er here because we'er not all there' about the trail.
But seriously getting lonely in the woods usually doesn't turn into a major psych issue. It is just something you deal with. Even if you end up talking or singing to yourself while you are walking don't worry it doesn't mean your loosing your mind. Most hiker do that eventually (sing and talk not loose their mind). If your coming on the trail with pre-exsisting issues maybe the hike will help sort them out. Believe it or not the cliche "Walk it off" may apply.
Boredom is probably a larger psychological hurrdle twoard the middle than being lonely. Bring cards, books, music, or whatever you feel like to keep yourself busy
All in all I wouldn't worry about it. :)
IMO, a thru-hike is 90% head, 10% heel.
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/7475/image0011jr5.jpg
You'll have plenty of friends to talk to on the trail.
dessertrat
10-09-2008, 14:13
I think this belongs here, due to that if one is to be truly healthy, one must be healthy mentally as well. I've have traditionally always hiked with my family, especially my youngest bro since he can keep up! However, I'm planning to do a thru-hike next spring, and no one can go. I guess I need to know the different psychological problems that I might run into because of this. I'm primarily concerned about being lonely to be honest, however I know that there are plenty of people to meet on the trail. Also, if there any psych problems that people ran into I would like to hear about them, just want to be prepared :) thanks!
You will meet a lot of people on the trail. You may not be able to know them for long, though, as paths diverge. You should be comfortable doing the whole hike without any "long term relationships", if you know what I mean, but at the same time, you will see plenty of people along the way. Most people complain that there are too many people on the trail, not too few.
Blissful
10-09-2008, 15:04
Oh that was a great pic, Totem. LOL!!!
I don't recall seeing psych problems per say on the trail. Did see some weird birds, like this one dude wearing army boots and carrying a machete. But be practical and cautious out there. Trust your instincts and be careful at road crossings and getting rides. There are mental challenges individually, to be sure, as the trail is far more mental than physical. Going with the flow, relaxing when things aren't working out, adjust to changing situations as they come, staying postive like realizing it's only one night when forced to endure a bad rain or freezing conditions at night, and take the journey one step at a time - not worrying about tomorrow.
jersey joe
10-09-2008, 15:24
I agree with bearpaw, boredom is probably one of the biggest mental hurdles. That and lack of desire.
Storminorman18
10-09-2008, 15:31
Thanks everyone for the great advice! and by the way love the pic! lol! :D
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2167/image0022ie7.jpg
Why thank you!