Atlanta CNN —Every October, World Mental Health Day tries to expand the conversation around mental health and brings awareness to the many ways you can improve your emotional well-being. I wish I could tell you a story about the exact point in time when I started to struggle with my mental health. It’s the most pure and honest relationship I’ve ever experienced, and for that, horses are a mental health tool I continue to come back to. Some studies show equine-assisted psychotherapy can help with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, trauma, depression and antisocial behavior. “You just come as you are.”The Stride Ahead care team spends time with one of the program’s therapy horses.

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Persons: Harry Potter, Gryffindor, you’re, Kelly Bowman, I’m, Stride, Chris Lobkowicz, Anne Preston, ”, Bobbi Woolwine, “, They’re, Pam Smith, Justin Organizations: Atlanta CNN, Health, CNN, Professional Association, Therapeutic, Association, Indiana University School of Social, Emory University Locations: Decatur , Georgia, Stride