[pct-l] mental health event for kick-off

[Ken Murray]

"I think one tiny aspect of difficulty in readjusting is that nobody on Earth except other hikers understands what you have done. Most especially anybody in a healing profession. That means doctors, mental health professionals, sports professionals or anyone. If you can find a mental health professional that has done a thru-hike, maybe they will have some insight, but I can't imagine one that has not will have much to offer of any real value."Diane, I'm a little purplexed by your post? It may not be obvious, but I thought that by posting to a PCT discussion board rather than, say, to a medical board, I was more likely to get MH professionals involvedwith hiking the trail. I especially thought so when I asked for suchpeople going to the KO. Perhaps those primarily interested in surfing or scuba mightgo to Lake Moreno, but somehow I think those there will have some knowledge(and perhaps even have hiked) the PCT.It may also suprise you that many professionals deal with all sorts of thingsthat they do not personally experience. Certainly not all have an interest.But most have a vast experience with people who have anxiety, or sleeplessness, for example. I am certain, for example, that I am highly comptent to manage acomplex pregnancy, although I assure you I have never been pregnant. :)But I'd certainly prefer experienced people. But don't worry, no takers so far....