"It's Like Going Home."
Almost everyone today has been, or knows someone who has been, affected by anxiety, depression, or some kind of addiction. In the words of Jessica Grambau, "we're in a heavy epidemic right now--whether it is drugs or depression or anxiety," which is why she started New Heights Hiking.
New Heights Hiking is a nonprofit, Utah hike group for anyone who has struggled with any type of mental illness. As Jess herself has anxiety she understands how overwhelming it can be. The group supports people in all walks of life and helps them to find happiness and wellness in nature. They meet for hikes throughout the year to explore trails in the Utah mountains.
She invites everyone who wants to come and states how if you're having a bad day, a hike can be the perfect remedy to help you heal. You can make new friends, get outside, and experience something you haven't before.
Through New Heights Hiking, Jess has found a way to share her passion by encouraging others to get outside and enjoy the wild around them.
When asked what "share the wild" meant to her she explained, "for me I guess 'share the wild' is just showing everyone how beautiful it is and how magical it can be for your life to just take that hike or take that walk or take that hour to just experience something that you wouldn't have seen otherwise.
I feel more alive, I feel way more alive out here than I could ever probably feel at home. I think when I'm traveling and hiking, I am at home. That is where my home is...that's where my heart is and that's where I feel the most alive."
With the following Jess currently has on Instagram, she wanted to use it for more than just pretty pictures of her on a mountain. She wanted to give a purpose to her platform, to voice her thoughts on the sometimes taboo topic of mental illness.
We fully support Jess in her cause. To raise awareness, we are selling Jess' Session T-shirt, where 100% of the proceeds go to New Heights Hiking. Help us raise awareness for mental health while sharing the wild!