BOISE, Idaho — A local mental health agency put together a fishing event at McDevitt Pond in Boise to give people the opportunity to go fishing as a way to improve their mental health.
Patrick Fithen runs A Body & Mind Health Services and thinks the outdoors can be a powerful tool to help people cope with their mental health issues.
"I grew up in Idaho and fishing is my way of getting away and taking a break," said Fithen. "It's a healthy hobby and a way to make friends."
For Sophie Stubbs it was her first time going fishing and like many of the people who showed up this new experience had its benefits.
"Yeah it is nice we are just talking about life," said Stubbs. "I've definitely been in a lot of stress lately so it's nice to not worry about those for a while."
Fithen said that although the Idaho outdoors provides a tremendous resource for mental health, he believes Idaho needs to provide more professional resources.
"As far as mental health services in the nation we are at the bottom," said Fithen. "A lot of our families are trying to find resources."
The Idaho Fish & Game provided the anglers free fishing permits for this free family event.
