Horses & Heroes Inc.

01/26/2026

01/24/2026

We spent years praying for and building a place with indoor restrooms.

Apparently this was on the horses’s wish list too😲😕🫶😝💪🏻

01/24/2026

Boys being silly. It’s not too cold to play and tease each other

01/21/2026

Happy National Hug Day!

Sometimes the best hugs come with four legas, a warm coat, and a calm heartbeat.

01/19/2026

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. Today and every day, let us serve our community with kindness and intention.

01/18/2026

Take a moment to slow down, breathe deep, and do something kind for yourself today. You deserve it.

01/16/2026

Our horse care volunteers most days!😂

It seems there’s a Barbie for every condition 😝

01/16/2026

Horses and Heroes is growing our events team! Join our team and help bring meaningful moments to life and support our military, first responders, and their families. From planning to day-of support, your time will make a real difference. Reach out to us at https://www.horsesandheroes.org/contact or through email at info@horsesandheroes.org

01/14/2026

Today is 'National Dress Up Your Pet' Day and our minis never miss an opportunity to dress their very best. Do us a favor and drop a picture of your pet and their outfits in the comments section!

01/10/2026

Understanding the physiological responses to chronic stress is important to help ease the weight of negative stigmas and shame. Normal physiological responses does not equate to weakness or feeling flawed.

Depression is increasingly understood not only as a mental health condition but also as a biological state involving chronic inflammation. Psychological and medical research shows that depression can activate the immune system in ways similar to physical illness. Instead of fighting an infection, the body remains in a prolonged inflammatory response that affects the brain.

Studies have found that people with depression often show elevated inflammatory markers such as C reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. These chemicals can cross the blood brain barrier and interfere with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for mood regulation, motivation, and emotional balance. This explains why depression is often accompanied by fatigue, brain fog, body aches, and low energy.

From a psychology perspective, chronic stress plays a major role. Long term stress keeps the nervous system in survival mode, signaling the immune system to stay alert. Over time, this constant activation leads to inflammation that impacts both mental and physical health. The brain begins to interpret the body as unsafe, reinforcing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal.

This research shifts how depression is viewed and treated. It is not simply a weakness or lack of willpower. It is a whole body condition involving the brain, immune system, and stress response. Understanding this connection opens the door to more compassionate, effective approaches to mental health and healing.