"When I’m having a bad day, I love to just be able to pick up my climbing shoes and head to the bouldering wall. It gives me a chance to clear my head. The gym never really worked for me because I just zone out and I’ll be overthinking everything whilst using the equipment. Whereas with climbing, if you’re not paying attention then you’ll fall ! So it really helps me to forget about everything else for a little while as I completely focus on my next move and not falling.
I didn’t realise how important climbing was to me, until it was taken away during lockdown and then after an injury shortly after. My mental health deteriorated and I ended up attempting suicide. Thankfully i’m still here and climbing again . I know it wasn’t only not being able to climb that led to my decline but it is a really important part of my recovery. I still go to therapy and take medication but climbing is my favourite escape."
