Mental health challenges are becoming a defining issue of our time, with over 280 million people globally affected by depression (World Health Organization, 2023). In the United States, incidence of major depressive disorder has risen significantly over the past 25 years, now affecting over 20% of the population (Coventry et al., 2021). These statistics tell a sobering story, but they also invite us to explore new, or perhaps ancient, solutions. One of the most accessible remedies may lie just outside our doors—in nature. In my ongoing work in human rewilding, I’ve come to understand how profoundly disconnected many of us are from not only natural environments but also from our relationship with "the wild things," including our own inner natures. Rewilding isn’t just about returning to the wild; it’s about rediscovering parts of ourselves that modern life has muted.

Spending time in nature doesn’t just feel good; it’s backed by science. Research shows that natural environments can significantly impact physiological systems associated with stress regulation and immune function. For example, spending time in forest environments has been shown to enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are essential for immune defense, while also reducing stress markers like cortisol........

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