Hello, I’m John DeLap, an author, and I suffer from anxiety and depression. At times, it is debilitating and it forced me to retire as a teacher in Special Education at one of our local elementary schools. In many ways it came out of nowhere. Mornings are especially tough. There are days I just want to hide under the covers and not come out. The longer I stay there the worse it gets. It often feels like a 500 pound gorilla is sitting on top of me.
Nature has been my companion since I was a child. Whether it was my grandfather taking me on frequent trips into the country, my experiences in Boy Scouts, the countless hiking trips (many with my Dad), or my everyday observations, nature and I have been inseparable. It has always been my balm for my weary soul. It is the bright sunshine on an otherwise anxiety-riddled day. Nature and anxiety are the reason I created this website.
I want to share those things that have meant so much to me through my years and my belief that we all live upon common ground. We all have shared experiences. My father taught me to not be afraid to share with others about my anxiety and depression. He dealt with it his entire life but I would not have traded him for any other man on earth. It is because of him that I am not afraid to share my own challenges. So, here are my thoughts and observations about my life and experiences in nature. I hope my words find a home with you.
“We need the tonic of wildness…we can never have enough nature.” – Thoreau
