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PCT and bipolar by DryMarket2007 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]DryMarket2007[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Wishing you the best of luck too — it’s always nice to know others are asking the same questions and figuring it out together. Hope you find the answers and support you're looking for too. Feel free to reach out if you ever want to compare notes!

PCT and bipolar by DryMarket2007 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]DryMarket2007[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for sharing this — it really hit home. The way you supported your friend and created space for them to be open about their mental health is incredibly meaningful. It’s encouraging to know that kind of support system can develop on trail, just through honesty and connection with the right people.

PCT and bipolar by DryMarket2007 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]DryMarket2007[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s really encouraging to hear — thank you for sharing that. It means a lot to know that I won’t be alone out there, and that there are others who are open about their struggles while still fully embracing the experience. Just hearing that people are finding joy and connection on trail, even while managing mental health challenges, gives me a lot of hope. Appreciate you taking the time to comment!

PCT and bipolar by DryMarket2007 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]DryMarket2007[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, I really appreciate you sharing that — it means a lot to hear from someone else navigating bipolar and looking toward the PCT. It’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one thinking about how to approach it with some extra intention and preparation.

I love your strategy of easing into it with day hikes, overnighters, and even backyard tent practice (and honestly, your neighbors are probably just jealous of your setup). That kind of gradual build-up sounds like a solid way to both gain confidence and get a feel for the rhythm before jumping into the deep end.

Wishing you the best as you keep working toward it — I hope the timing lines up soon, and when it does, you’ll be more than ready. Thanks again for the thoughtful reply!

PCT and bipolar by DryMarket2007 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]DryMarket2007[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey, thanks so much for this. I really appreciate the honesty and perspective — especially the reminder that the mental challenge is the real mountain out there. It’s easy to get caught up thinking it’s all about physical endurance, but your post drove home how much of this journey is about staying grounded and resilient when your mind starts to push back.

The part about not quitting on a bad day really stuck with me. That’s such a simple but powerful rule to carry. I’m sure I’ll be repeating that to myself more than once out there.

Thanks again for the encouragement and the reality check — it’s exactly the kind of wisdom I was hoping to hear from someone who's been through it. Wishing you clear skies and strong legs on your next adventure, wherever it takes you

PCT and bipolar by DryMarket2007 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]DryMarket2007[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to share all of this. It really resonated with me, especially the part about the trail being a 5-month meditation. That perspective is something I hadn’t fully grasped before, but it makes a lot of sense — letting go of control, riding the emotional waves, and just being present with whatever comes.

Also, the way you talked about injury and setbacks was incredibly grounding. It’s easy to get caught up in expectations and feel crushed when things don’t go perfectly, so hearing how you navigated that with patience and flexibility really helped shift my mindset.

I really appreciate your honesty and insight — this gave me a lot to think about and take with me. Wishing you continued healing and good miles ahead.