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Kerrie Osborne

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Total Raised

$355

Total Distance

65km

Distance Goal

60km

My Updates

Why a nature walk with your besties is the ultimate mental health hack

We’ve all had those weeks where our brains feel completely fried. Between endless screen time, work stress, and the daily grind, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. When you’re stuck in a mental rut, the best remedy isn’t scrolling through your phone—it’s grabbing your friends and heading into the woods. Combining fresh air, moving your body, and a good old-fashioned vent session with your favorite people is basically a cheat code for happiness. Here is exactly why hitting the trails with your crew is the ultimate mental health boost. 1. Nature is a Natural De-Stressor Have you ever noticed how a deep breath of crisp forest air instantly makes you feel lighter? That’s not just in your head. Spending time around trees, plants, and water actually changes your body’s chemistry. It lowers your cortisol levels (the pesky hormone responsible for stress) and calms your nervous system. Science even shows that walking in green spaces quiets the part of our brain that loves to overthink and replay negative thoughts. 2. Walking and Talking Just Hits Different There is something magic about walking side-by-side with a friend. Unlike sitting across a table at a loud cafe, moving together at an easy pace removes all the pressure. There’s no intense eye contact, which weirdly makes it much easier to open up about what’s actually going on in your life. Whether you need to laugh, cry, or just vent about your week, the trail is a judgment-free zone. 3. The Ultimate Mood-Boosting Combo When you walk in nature with friends, you are stacking three massive mood-boosters on top of each other: • The Nature Effect: Instant calm and mental clarity. • The Movement: A steady dose of endorphins to lift your energy. • The Connection: A reminder that you are supported and loved. By the time you get back to your car, you’ll probably realize you haven't thought about your inbox or your to-do list in hours. 4. Built-In Motivation Let’s be honest: when you’re feeling low or exhausted, it is incredibly hard to lace up your sneakers and get outside. But when you know a friend is waiting for you at the trailhead, you’re way less likely to press snooze or cancel. You keep each other accountable, and you never regret going once you’re

A promise in the shadows

The morning breathes a soft, accepting light, To gently clear the clutter of the night; It does not rush, it simply claims its space, And meets the new day with a quiet grace. A reminder that the shadows always pass, Like melting dew upon the summer grass; No matter how the heavy dark delayed, The dawn returns, unhurried, unafraid. Then evening lowers with a peaceful mind, To leave the worries of the day behind; The sun sinks down, letting its burdens fall, Demanding nothing of itself at all. It fades away to rest, and so can you, To heal beneath the quiet, starry blue; For just like skies that shift from dark to bright, Your mind deserves both progress and the night.

Interacting with others is a fundamental pillar of mental well-being.

As we log our kilometers this October for One Foot Forward, we talk a lot about the power of physical movement. We know getting outside and putting one foot in front of the other changes the brain, reduces stress, and fights depression. But there is another crucial component to this challenge that is just as powerful for our minds: social connection. Mental health struggles can frequently make us want to retreat inward and isolate. However, long-term isolation impacts our health dramatically. Interacting with family, friends, or coworkers creates a shared sense of belonging and purpose. Knowing you are part of a community—like the thousands of Australians moving together this month—reminds us that we are never truly walking alone. When we get stuck in our own heads, our thoughts can loop into anxiety or negativity. Talking to other people breaks that cycle. A simple conversation can expose us to new ideas, provide a healthy distraction, and help us process our own emotions more clearly. But as we take care of the community out there, let’s remember to take care of ourselves and each other through the simple, life-saving act of connection

Finding joy right in my own backyard 🏡✨

Welcome back to my One Foot Forward page! Today’s daily challenge was to find a rock and transform it into an inspirational piece.While I am out logging my kilometres every day for the Black Dog Institute, I decided to look a little closer to home for this specific task. I opted to use rocks gathered right from my own garden. There is something incredibly grounding about slowing down and hunting through your own patch of earth. For my mental health, this challenge was a beautiful reminder that we don't have to look far, spend money, or go on grand adventures to find joy. Sometimes, the raw ingredients for inspiration and happiness are sitting right under our feet.Sitting down to craft every day does wonders for a busy mind: • It quietens the noise: Focusing on the brushstrokes and textures completely anchors my thoughts in the "now," melting away daily stress. • It celebrates the ordinary: Taking something plain from the garden and making it beautiful proves that a little perspective can shift how we see everything. • It builds a visual reminder: Having these completed pieces around my home serves as a permanent, physical anchor for my mental wellbeing. Mental health challenges don't take days off, which is why I am tackling this fundraiser one step and one day at a time.

Why Being Kinder Is the Ultimate Secret to Better Mental Health

We live in a fast-paced, often overwhelming world where it is easy to get caught up in our own stress, deadlines, and digital feeds. In the rush of daily life, kindness can sometimes feel like a luxury—something we offer others if and when we have the extra energy.

However, neuroscience and psychological research tell a completely different story. Being kinder isn't just a nice thing to do for someone else; it is one of the most powerful, evidence-backed tools we have to protect and nurture our own mental health.

When you perform an act of kindness, your brain undergoes a remarkable chemical shift. This isn't just an emotional feeling—it is a biological response.Acts of kindness stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, this creates a lasting sense of satisfaction and joy. Being kinder to others—and to yourself—helps lower stress hormone levels, slowing your heart rate and soothing your nervous system. Kindness triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for social bonding and trust.Mental health doesn't just depend on how we treat the people around us—it starts from within. Many of us are our own toughest critics, holding ourselves to impossible standards.True well-being requires learning how to be kinder to yourself. Swap harsh self-judgment for patience and grace when you make a mistake. Treat your own mind with the same gentleness, forgiveness, and care that you would offer a best friend. Kindness is a two-way street. When you make the conscious choice to be kinder, you aren't just lightening someone else's load—you are lifting the weight off your own mind, lowering your stress, and building a happier, more resilient brain.

Lace Up: Why the Right Gear Matters for One Foot Forward 👟

Whether you are aiming for a massive goal or hitting your local path every afternoon, every single step helps support vital mental health research. But when you commit to logging serious kilometres, how you show up for your body matters just as much as showing up for the cause. Why the Right Gear Matters for Your One Foot Forward Walk. Ultimately, having the right gear transitions walking from an unpredictable chore into a safe, enjoyable, and sustainable activity. It gives you the confidence to explore further, knowing your body is protected and you can handle whatever the environment throws at you. Putting one foot forward is all about moving in a positive direction, one step at a time. By giving your body the right support, you’re setting yourself up to cross that finish line feeling strong, proud, and completely blister-free. Check your gear, grab your water bottle, and let’s keep stepping out for mental health!

Selfie sunday: the unfiltered version

Today is Selfie Sunday, but to be completely honest, I couldn't find the motivation to get up, get dressed, or take a photo. Instead of a selfie, I wanted to share some thoughts. Lately, I’ve been navigating some mental health struggles, and today is just one of those days where everything feels a bit heavy. For a long time, my social media feed felt like a highlight reel of everyone else’s perfect lives, making me feel incredibly isolated in my own challenges. But the truth is, behind the curated photos and filtered updates, many of us are quietly navigating mental health struggles. I’m sharing this today because we need to talk more about the messy, unfiltered parts of life. It is entirely okay not to be okay, and you don’t have to carry your burdens in silence. If you are going through a difficult time right now, please know that your struggles are valid, you are not alone, and there is absolutely no shame in reaching out for support. Let's take care of ourselves and each other, both online and off.

The psychology of orange: Why this colour matters for mental health. 🧡

Because it is a blend of red (energy) and yellow (happiness), orange acts as a psychological pick-me-up that triggers upbeat, positive emotions.

Here is what orange does for our minds:

• Boosts mood: It combines physical stamina with mental cheerfulness to fight off a funk.

• Aids recovery: Psychologists note that orange helps us process grief, disappointment, and heavy emotions.

• Sparks connection: It is a social color that encourages community, conversation, and support.

• Signals transformation: It represents resilience, letting go, and moving past dark days.

That is exactly why we are wearing it, spotting it, and moving for One Foot Forward this month! 🚶‍♂️

Weather as a Metaphor for Mental Health

Just like our mental well-being, the weather cannot always be controlled. Participants often find that pushing through a rainy, windy, or overcast day mirrors the reality of living with a mental illness—it highlights the necessity of pushing through "the storms" by simply putting one foot in front of the other. Pushing through a difficult weather day reminds participants that while they cannot change the environment, they can adapt, protect themselves, and keep moving forward.

Lacing Up for Mental Health: Why I’m Taking Part in One Foot Forward

October is Mental Health Month, and this year, I’m doing things a little differently. I am lacing up my sneakers, heading outdoors, and taking part in One Foot Forward—the virtual walking and moving challenge hosted by the Black Dog Institute.

Why This Matters

Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians experience mental illness every single year? That is someone in your family, a close friend, a coworker, or a neighbor. Too many people carry these struggles in silence, and the impact of mental health challenges and suicide touches nearly every community across the country.

That statistic is the reason I couldn't sit this out. By committing to move across October, I want to show up in solidarity for anyone who has ever felt alone in their dark moments, and help break down the stigma that stops people from speaking up.

One foot forward for mental health. ❤️

Over the last two years, I've faced some really challenging times. To stay on top of my mental health and practice self-care, I turned to walking. It has given me the space to self-reflect and find a positive perspective on the way forward. That is why this challenge means so much to me.