As I stand there on the mat I stare up at the wall which I am about to climb. I see the route before me and can feel the excitement of getting on the wall to start a new project. It’s been over 8 months since I climbed and I am ready to get back to where I was.
Climbing is a challenging and rewarding activity that requires focus, determination, and a willingness to push through difficult moments. Getting on the wall especially if you have never climbed before or know anything about climbing can seem a little overwhelming. I find that it is an excellent analogy for working through depression, panic, or anxiety.
Pregnancy and anxiety disorder has put me behind in my climbing and life progress. I understand with climbing that I am going to have to build my skill back up. Starting with the physical aspect and working on basic climbing problems. But why not apply that to overcoming anxiety disorders?
To those of us who have experienced the immense emptiness that depression brings or the gripping fear that anxiety brings most of us are eager to get back to a life where we didn’t feel this. Depression and anxiety can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders, making it difficult to even get out of bed in the morning. But just like climbing, the key to overcoming these obstacles is to take it one hold at a time. It’s important to start small and set a realistic beta for yourself.
The first step in getting back to climbing, or overcoming depression and anxiety, is to simply SHOW UP. That means committing to going to the gym or therapy, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to not be okay and that it’s normal to have days where you don’t want to do anything. But by showing up, you are taking the first step toward progress.