Walking for a Cause: How Giving Back and Fighting Hunger Supports Mental Health

At Stegall Counseling PLLC, we believe that mental health is deeply connected to community support, compassion, and taking action for those in need. That’s why we’re excited to participate in the Common Heart Hunger Walk on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Crooked Creek Park in Indian Trail.

This event raises awareness for food insecurity in our community, but it also highlights something just as important—the connection between giving back and mental well-being. Whether you’re walking to support the cause, spreading awareness, or simply taking a mindful stroll, participating in events like this can have a profound impact on your mental health.

The Link Between Food Insecurity and Mental Health

Hunger isn’t just a physical issue—it takes a serious toll on mental and emotional well-being.

✅  Increased Stress & Anxiety – When individuals don’t know where their next meal is coming from, their brain remains in a constant state of stress, leading to heightened anxiety and emotional distress.

✅  Higher Risk of Depression – Research shows that those struggling with food insecurity are more likely to experience depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness.

✅  Impact on Families & Children – Kids and teens who grow up in food-insecure households often experience difficulty concentrating, emotional regulation struggles, and behavioral challenges due to the stress of food scarcity.

Events like the Common Heart Hunger Walk help raise funds and awareness to support families facing these challenges, reminding them that they are not alone—and that our community cares.

A single mother in our community recently shared that the stress of affording groceries while caring for her two young children often kept her up at night. She felt exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed. When she connected with a local food assistance program, she not only received the support she needed but also found a sense of community that helped lift her out of isolation. Stories like hers remind us why events like the Common Heart Hunger Walk matter.

 

How Giving Back Supports Your Own Mental Health

While charity events make a difference in the lives of others, they also positively impact those who participate. Taking time to help others is a powerful way to boost your own mental well-being. Here’s how:

✅  Increases Happiness & Reduces Stress – Acts of kindness release oxytocin and serotonin, which help reduce stress and improve mood. Simply knowing you’re helping others can enhance your overall sense of well-being.

✅  Creates a Sense of Purpose & Fulfillment – Whether you’re walking, donating, or volunteering, giving back fosters a sense of purpose that can combat feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression.

✅  Builds Social Connections – Loneliness is a significant contributor to mental health struggles. Events like the Hunger Walk bring people together, helping strengthen social bonds and create a sense of belonging.

✅  Encourages Movement & Mindfulness – Walking itself is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Taking a mindful approach—focusing on your breathing, the rhythm of your steps, and the community around you—can help center your thoughts and emotions.

Make the Most of the Walk: Tips for a Mindful Experience

Since walking is a key part of this event, here are some ways to incorporate mindfulness and boost mental wellness while participating:

🌿 Practice Gratitude: Take time during the walk to reflect on something you’re grateful for—whether it’s your ability to walk, the people around you, or the cause you’re supporting.

🌿 Engage Your Senses: Notice the sounds of nature, the feel of the breeze, or the rhythm of your steps. This can ground you in the present moment and reduce stress.

🌿 Breathe Deeply: Try slow, deep breaths as you walk to help regulate your nervous system and create a sense of calm.

🌿 Connect with Others: Take the opportunity to chat with someone new or share what mental health means to you. Social connection is a powerful mood booster!

 

Join Us at the Common Heart Hunger Walk!

We’re proud to support this event and invite you to walk with us! Our team will be there to spread awareness about mental health while supporting this important cause. Plus, all participants will receive a t-shirt featuring our Stegall Counseling PLLC logo!

📅 Event Details:

📍 Where: Crooked Creek Park, Indian Trail, NC

📆 When: Sunday, March 2nd, 2025

⏰ Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM

💰 Registration Fee: $35 per person ($15 for ages 12 and under)

Want to join us? You can register individually and invite friends or family to walk with you. If we get enough interest, we may be able to create a team link and request a group discount.

Whether you choose to walk, hand out flyers, or simply stop by our table, your participation helps raise awareness, support families in need, and spread the word about mental health.

Looking for Mental Health Support?

If this event sparks a desire to explore your own mental well-being, our team at Stegall Counseling PLLC is here to help. We offer in-person and virtual therapy for children, teens, and adults in Charlotte, NC, and Indian Trail, NC.

Need extra resources? Here are some local organizations offering support:

💛  Common Heart Pantry: Here

💛  NC 2-1-1: Dial 211 for assistance with food, housing, and health services.

💛  Stegall Counseling PLLC: Offering therapy for individuals facing anxiety, depression, and stress. 👋 Meet the Team Here!

📅   Book a free consultation today: Here

Join the Conversation!

📸 We’d love to see your Hunger Walk experience! Tag us in your photos and share how this event made an impact on you. Use the hashtags:

#StegallCounseling #CommonHeartHungerWalk #MentalHealthMatters #IndianTrailNC #WellnessMatters

Together, we can walk for a cause, support our community, and prioritize mental health—one step at a time. 💙