Mental Health & Wellness
Personal Philosophy
I believe it can be difficult for people to find outlets and hobbies to manage daily stress. My personal experience with both teens and First Responders is many are resistive to traditional activities such as yoga and meditation.
Raising awareness for the benefits fishing has on overall health is important to me. Helping others learn to fly-fish serves to also break down barriers to mental health. Discussing stress relief, teaching mindfulness, social engagement with being outdoors appreciating the rhythmic action of casting the rod brings satisfaction and for many, the feeling of peace of mind.
Mental health is often a taboo topic and among many people has a negative stigma. Many people are uncomfortable discussing mental health and believe that medication and yoga are the only remedies. Time Flies provides all the equipment and tools necessary to get people comfortable with being on the river.
Teen Participation
The initial goal of my organization is to increase the volume of teens who are able to fly fish. Long-term, this group of teens will reach out to local First Responders (police, fire, EMS) to give back to our community and help others use fly-fishing as a wellness tool.
First responders, are a unique group of professionals who serve our community but the rates of mental health is alarming! The sigma among these professions with seeking assistance and engaging in positive coping activities needs to improvement. The interaction between youths and adults can be very impactful and helping first responders learn the art of fishing to reduce stress and mental health may provide many tangible benefits.
Once teens have completed the Time Flies modules on learning basics about mental health, wellness and coping the group will then serve as fishing liaisons with first responders.
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Not only will teens learn how to fish through participation in Time Flies but the importance of volunteering and giving back to others.
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Volunteering to help share the benefits of fishing
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Raise awareness on how fly fishing may improved overall health and mental well-being
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Teens will build self-esteem through working with others on fishing outings with Time Flies
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Widen social circle through volunteering with first responders while learning more about our First Responders.
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Sense of empowerment by connecting and sharing with others
Understanding Mental Health Basics
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Time Flies will host experts and guest speakers to discuss coping skills with stress and other mental health issues.
According to the Center for Disease Control, Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
Mental Illness may be diagnosed as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Such conditions may be occasional or long-lasting (chronic) and affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day.
Why Fishing?
Research has reported that fishing provides the opportunity to connect with the outdoors and therapeutic time for focus. Fishing requires focus and awareness and this helps the mind to not focus on internal personal conflict and stress which is very similar to meditation.
Focus is a key element required in fishing and this also helps people to learn to concentrate and clear their thoughts. Improving mental focus helps to forget stressors.
The repetitive motion of fishing provides a reflective and meditative activity that provides a sense of relaxation and calmness
Time Flies provides an opportunity to learn a new skill (or to improve) in a very low-risk environment that builds confidence and improves overall well-being
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