11 Articles About Mental Health and Climbing
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month we've de-paywalled 11 feature stories about climbers struggling with depression, alcoholism, disordered eating, and more.
Mental Health
Stephanie Forté, One of the First Climbers To Speak Up About Eating Disorders, Looks Back
"Eating disorders are often symptoms of larger issues. Bearing witness develops empathy.”
By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Gone
Last summer, Tiffany Thiele, a young rock climber from Reno, Nevada, took her life after posting a Facebook message saying a ski patroller had raped her. She left behind an unsolvable mystery about what really happened, along with urgent questions about whether more could have been done to heal her feelings of pain and distrust.
His Holds Changed the Climbing Industry. Then Came Drugs, Fake Credit Cards, and Worse
Ian Powell, hold shaper, recounts how art and addiction impacted his life. He was one of the best in the industry; then he went to prison. 11 years free, he's since changed the industry, again.
Can Climbing Be a Form of Therapy?
"In a community that’s fixated on optimizing health and performance, I was heartbroken to realize how many people were barely hanging on."
Ten Simple Ways to Improve Your Mental Game Right Now
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Why is Cory Richards Retiring from Climbing?
The only American to summit an 8,000 meter peak in winter is hanging up his ice axes.
Feeling Worthless? You Could Have Imposter Syndrome.
Wondering if you’re a “real” climber yet? Feel like a fraud? That your best is never enough. You’re not alone.