As October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, the climbing community is taking strides to highlight the importance of mental well-being among climbers. With growing awareness around mental health challenges, this month offers an opportunity to explore how climbing, a sport that pushes both physical and mental boundaries, can be a powerful tool for mental wellness.
The Power of Climbing for Mental Health
Climbing offers a unique blend of physical exercise, mental challenge, and social interaction—all of which are essential for maintaining mental well-being. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which naturally boost your mood and reduce stress. Being part of a supportive climbing community can combat feelings of isolation, and climbing outdoors offers the added benefit of connecting with nature, which has been shown to improve mental health. A Time Magazine article outlines the health benefits of climbing, reinforcing its value as a tool for improving both body and mind.
Mental Health Challenges in Climbing
Despite the benefits, climbing also comes with risks that may affect mental health. The pressure to push harder, conquer fear, or meet goals can be stressful. Injuries, failure, or setbacks can create anxiety or diminish self-confidence. Climbing magazine has featured a series of articles that delve into the connection between climbing and mental health, discussing how climbers can manage the psychological strain of the sport. You can read more on Climbing’s Mental Health series.
In a candid interview with Adidas Terrex, world champion climber Janja Garnbret shared her own struggles with mental health, body image, and insecurities, bringing a much-needed spotlight to these issues within the climbing community. As one of the most successful climbers in history, Garnbret’s vulnerability in discussing her personal battles offers reassurance that even the top athletes face mental health challenges.
Garnbret spoke openly about the pressure to maintain peak physical condition and how it has impacted her mental well-being. “There were times I felt I didn’t look strong enough or felt insecure about my body,” she said. Her honesty in acknowledging the pressures of performance and the anxiety that comes with it highlights a reality that many climbers, both recreational and professional, experience.
Janja’s interview serves as an important reminder that mental health is a universal concern, and it’s essential to address the stigma around seeking help in competitive sports. Her message to young climbers is clear: “It’s okay not to be okay, and asking for help doesn’t make you weak.”
Donovan Willis: Climbing for a Cause
Donovan Willis, a talented climber and artist based in Mbombela (Nelspruit), is using his skills to make a difference. Donovan has tackled some of South Africa’s hardest climbing routes, opening bouldering at Kaapsehoop and Croc River Canyon. He’s also contributed to the climbing community by writing guides, such as the one for Kaapsehoop, which you can find here.
This year, Donovan is fundraising for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), a vital resource offering mental health support and education. His fundraiser, which ends on World Mental Health Day (October 10), involves auctioning an original pencil sketch. You can read more about Donovan’s work and his fundraiser in MyLowveld. The auction is hosted on Facebook.
Supporting Mental Health: SADAG
SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) is an invaluable resource for those facing mental health challenges. They provide a 24-hour helpline, counseling services, and community outreach programs. SADAG’s work is particularly crucial for climbers, many of whom may face pressure or emotional struggles that are hard to navigate alone.
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, SADAG can be reached at www.sadag.org or through their helplines.
A Community Effort
Climbing can do wonders for mental health, but it’s essential to recognize the importance of managing stress, anxiety, or depression that may arise. By raising awareness, supporting initiatives like Donovan’s fundraiser, and promoting the use of resources like SADAG, we can help ensure that climbers take care of their mental health as effectively as their physical health. On World Mental Health Day, let’s support each other in the climbs we face both on and off the wall.
