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.
Next, it’s important to set goals and make a plan. This can be as simple as setting a goal to climb a beginner’s route or just getting up and brushing your teeth. Start with the smallest goals and build on that. Having a goal and a plan in place will give you something to work towards and help you stay motivated. No one ever started climbing the hardest climb right away. They had to start as a beginner and build their strength.
As you start to climb you will inevitably encounter difficult moments. But it’s important to remember that these moments are not failures, they are simply part of the process. Just like when climbing, when you come across a difficult move, you have to step back and assess the situation and figure out the best way to tackle it.
Here is where the community comes in! One thing I love about the climbing community is that there is always someone there to bounce beta off of. I think it is important to surround yourself with people that are there to help you navigate a hard climb. What I believe is that you don’t have to seek out these people, but when you start the route you will meet people who are also tackling the same route. It is also beautiful when you find someone who has overcome that route and is happy to show you the way.
Even though I am in the process of learning to climb again I remember a time when you are about to top out a climb sometimes you have to push through. There is going to come a moment when you reach the top and in disbelief, you have finished. That project you have been working on you finally finished! The glorious feeling of overcoming all the obstacles is what drives me to get better.
The most important part of this process is to celebrate every piece of progress you have made. Even if it’s just getting on the wall. Celebrate that accomplishment and share it with others. It doesn’t matter how small of an accomplishment you made it is worthwhile in the long run.
Whether you are using climbing as an analogy or whatever brings you excitement the key is to take it one step at a time. With time and perseverance, you will overcome the obstacles that are holding you back and reach new heights.