Overlapping Worlds: Exploring How Nature Supports the Mental Health of Elite Athletes

"While athletes carry the persona of being big, strong, competitive, and fierce, the burn of mental illness does not exclude them."

Approximately 35 percent of all athletes struggle with mental health issues and the stigmas that surround mental health. Olivia Grace Barnes' Overlapping Worlds explores nature's role in strengthening, reinforcing, and maintaining strong mental health in elite athletes.

After experiencing mental health struggles as a competitive athlete, author Barnes felt inspired to share the wondrous powers that nature can have on the mind, connecting the worlds of mental health, sports, and nature into a powerful overlap.

Through research and interviews, Barnes provides insight into how nature can positively affect the mind, including:

• The thought process of Olympic track star Michael Marsh during one of his most memorable races.
• Mental health advocate Victoria Garrick's journey through her athletic mental struggles that eventually gave way to her widely viewed TED Talk.
• Nature expert Ronna Schneberger's insight into the power of being "nature-wise."

Overlapping Worlds will help you discover how to embrace the subject of mental illness within your community and learn how to appreciate and experience being in nature more fully.