Mental Health and Skiing

Good read, appreciate the mentioning of toxic positivity, that really isolated me too.

Thanks for sharing!

“Oftentimes that vulnerability is met with the eyes of a friend who looks like they’re not alone for the first time. In truth, all of this is more common than we realize.”

Great read - relatable.

Thanks for sharing :-)

Going to read it when I get home. Def is a topic I'm interested in.

Is it available on Audible?

Desensitize the ski community to depression lol, that shit happens more often than you think. The toxic positivity is why it’s kind of an “elephant in the room” topic within skiing.

holy shit so well written too, I had no idea he went through all that, really solid read

great article!

I always laugh though when Outside or some equivalent publication publishes an article about a pro skier that I've never heard of. It's always some backcountry skier/influencer who's only skiing clips I can find are helmet cam.

This is a great read and hopefully an eyeopener for our community. Mental health is a huge problem but is so swept under the rug. I know I have my own demons and everyday is a different challenge but I have learned what works for me. I am sure many of us can relate to what Drew says in this article. Let me say this, there is help out there. Many of us here on NS are here to listen and talk about any and everything. No one should be locked in their own head.

pinkcamo1000great article!

I always laugh though when Outside or some equivalent publication publishes an article about a pro skier that I've never heard of. It's always some backcountry skier/influencer who's only skiing clips I can find are helmet cam.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Alr63E_exTo&feature=emb_title

Treegrabberhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Alr63E_exTo&feature=emb_title

dude rips for sure, def knows how to get that money pow shot that every resort is after. I was mostly trying to point out the disconnect between the street skiing/newschoolers community and the backcountry scene

Very good article, this isn’t talked about enough and I’ve known people who get fucked by it. It’s horrible.

Tell your friends you love them as often as you can

After reading this as well as other stuff on the topic. A big thing for me that isn't addressed is the lack of mental health resources. A don't jump hotline is great, but a lot of mental health stuggles are more than just one moment.

Our healthcare industry makes it pretty difficult to navigate these issues. During the election their was a commercial on about mental health and it being a tough year, then offering $100 off mental health counseling.

I get that maybe it was genuine, but it really shows the issues. Sure some people don't want to talk, don't admit their struggles, wouldn't necessarily accept help.

I think there are a ton of other people out there that would, myself included.

Our healthcare issue is crazy to navigate, especially with mental health issues. More insurances are covering mental health treatments but that's not even a guarantee. When people say "get help" as if it's as simple as just googling a therapist close to you and showing up, it can feel pretty shitty.

Idk where to go, i probably can't afford it if I did, I don't really know where to start.

If we're really going to put a dent in that, it's something that needs to change. We're the greatest country in the world allegedly and people live with injuries because they cant sfford to see a doctor, or their insurance if they have it doesn't cover this or that. Mental health is even worse. People just say fuck it, try to live the best they can and power through. Sometimes they make it, sometimes they don't.

I don't think we can ever eliminate suicide, but I think we can do a lot better.

I feel like the extent of our trying is grieving and wanting it to stop. As far as anything real and tangible to get us there? A lot of people aren't about it.

I'm pretty amazed I've made it to 32. Honestly it wouldn't surprised me if I killed myself. Ive been so close so many times for various reasons, or no reason at all. People say that depressed people should be happier and do fun things, I think I do a decent job of doing shit that mskes me happy, literally my actual job even. I try to stay positive and happy and have a good time. That can't always be enough for mental health issues.

We've changed to start accepting mental health issues more in the last decade. I still see posts and hear people blaming people. Being mad at them. In the moment grieving i get it, but way after or a person they weren't close with? It's kind of messed up. The person was in such a bad spot thst they fucking killed themself to get away and you're still judging them? Fuck that. Those people suck honestly.

Idk, i just think there's so much more we can do. I know some of the "talk to me if you need to talk or vent" posts are bs sometimes but for real if anyone ever needs to vent about shit hit me up. I'm not an expert on anything but I'm on here a lot and I've always got time.

In the future with politics and voting, and even stuff in you're communtiy think about mental health and things that could help make suicide less common.

There are more options than there used to be, mental health is less stigmatized, but we still have a long way to go. Unfortunately we're going to keep losing people we love. Maybe we can never stop it completely but at least give people some options.

Tldr

Also wanted to say I enjoyed the read and him opening uo about his journey. I don't want the other post to sound like I didn't. Just have opinions about things and stuff and this issue is a big deal to me.

I just read this article earlier this evening. I shared it with my therapist and my mom and texted the hotline to see who would respond. I had someone texting back within a minute or two, and they stayed on the conversation until I let them know I was ready to move on. I think this is an important article because of how clearly Drew explains the symptoms of PTSD, suicidal thoughts/feelings and their very real impact in day-to-day life.

I have my own experience with a fractured C2 vertebrae while skiing back more than a decade ago. As well as a handful of concussions while park skiing and the such.


I have been experimenting with a meditation practice for a while now, which basically consists of chanting the mantra “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” again and again. If anyone is interested in that type of thing they can check out sokaglobal.org

Another thing about mental health and suicidal crises: a lot of people get caught up in the criminal justice system instead of getting support. I should have a source to back this statistic, but I’ll just share anyway: many people who have been arrested/jailed suffer from some kind of brain damage and emotional trauma. I mean, why would someone yell at a cop and then get arrested (maybe you can imagine scene like that taking place).


Anyway, I don’t know everything and I encourage anyone who reads this to double check and research for yourselves.

Drew raising some fair criticisms of areas loaded with recreation and how they're deemed "A skiers/bikers/outdoor paradise" was pretty huge, especially when you throw in the fact that the intermountain west is also called "The Suicide Belt." Realities for a lot of people in and around ski towns and throughout the mountains are a lot different than whatever we think it is or whatever we see on social media. There are a lot of factors probably to why many have struggled in these areas but low paying jobs, high living costs, lack of healthcare resources, tons of access to drugs and alcohol, etc. have to be some of the bigger ones.

It begs the question for me how many of our friends and shredder homies who tend to maybe drink a bit more than the usual fellow, smoke more than them, do crazy shit on skis, etc. aren't actually "Stoked" and are actually hurting and trying to run away from something, you know? I think we all have one or two friends who almost always have a beer in-hand on every chair lap, that sort of thing.

**This post was edited on Jul 4th 2021 at 2:01:26pm

DeebieSkeebiesIt begs the question for me how many of our friends and shredder homies who tend to maybe drink a bit more than the usual fellow, smoke more than them, do crazy shit on skis, etc. aren't actually "Stoked" and are actually hurting and trying to run away from something, you know? I think we all have one or two friends who almost always have a beer in-hand on every chair lap, that sort of thing.

Oh totally. Drinking alcohol as a way of relieving stress is so widely accepted in the drinking culture. It's not a healthy coping method by any means. But you don't wanna be the person who ruins the party by questioning it. I only ever hear guys encourage each other to drink more, and celebrate getting absolutely haggered. The whole "party hard" scene can be super toxic to your well being if you've got underlying shit in your life. And pretending to be okay when you're really not okay so you don't bring the party down definitely sucks

Props to Drew for talking about it. Validating the experience is a big step for him and his readers.

I feel like a lot of people in the outdoor world ignore or misunderstand the symptoms/effects of their head injuries, PTSD, and survivor guilt.

From my personal experience learning to live with it and talking with my peers (shoutout to Rob at Safety Third Blog)-

There's that inital cycle of manic-depressive substance abuse and super risky self destructive behavior. It's common to try to mask the issue like that, but all too often, it leads to tragedy.

Some time passes and you finally think you're over it and having the best day, when suddenly a random horrible thought hits ya and spirals you back into the cycle.

We might all think we're Mr. Toughnutz can just dissociate from our issues, but that is rarely, if ever, the case.


For me, hypnosis, EMDR, and support groups, have been helpful overall.

I'm coping day to day by using imaginal templates.

Like if I'm laying in bed and suddenly think, "I should have died that day, I should die today".

I'll take a breath and imagine the thought as some kind of object ranging from like a piece of paper to a big scary monster. Then I'll tell it, "You are just a random, passing PTSD delusion." And then crumple the paper or slay the monster, cast it into a black hole that looks like a 30 yard dumpster and then fly into a different room of my mind.

Kinda weird, but it keeps me from even weirder escapism.

Sometimes it doesn't work and traditional support group type therapy can get me the extra push.

Idk I'm rambling now... good thread @BigPurpleSkiSuit

twinkle_toesOh totally. Drinking alcohol as a way of relieving stress is so widely accepted in the drinking culture. It's not a healthy coping method by any means. But you don't wanna be the person who ruins the party by questioning it. I only ever hear guys encourage each other to drink more, and celebrate getting absolutely haggered. The whole "party hard" scene can be super toxic to your well being if you've got underlying shit in your life. And pretending to be okay when you're really not okay so you don't bring the party down definitely sucks

I don't want to bmame the scene though. I dont think it's skiings fault or the culture. The ability to not drink and ride all day or drink all day have always existed. I think people need options

Personally I'm trying to buy a truck and a trailer soni can have my own space away from drinking etc to chill and play my guitar or read. Snd have the option to go to other places to party.

I need to get out of it but it's hard, especially working grave shift. And as far as mental health options there isn't much.

Idk, drinking can be fun, and i don't want to demonize partying as solely bad. It can lead to bad shit though.

Pretending to be okay when you aren't sucks. Ive gotten way too good at masking it and being fun. It's kinda messed up

I def see a lot if heavy positivity these days. If you're remotely not stoked people get mad at you and grill you. Like dude, nobody is 100%stoked every day fuck off.

I unfortunately relate way too much to this article. As someone that has always done action sports, sustained multiple concussions, and have always been a risk taker I have a lot of these same mental issues. I am on medication for depression and bipolar, but there is always a struggle and it really has taken a toll on me

Shoutout everyone in this thread. It’s really nice to see people talking about mental health. Opening up to someone/anyone really is the first step to start working on yourself and working on your problems.

I have found a lot of benefits doing counselling/therapy. I’m not going to delve into what I got out of it because it’s different for everyone.

I’m that friend that is always recommending the homies to go see a councillor/therapist whenever they have issues. Whether it be: personal, work, relationships etc. I try and make it clear that there is no issue too big or too small to go and talk to someone about. If you are stuck in a negative cyclical thought pattern or notice things about yourself that you don’t like and would like to change but don’t know how, go talk to someone. It’s literally their job.

I always like to think of it as going to a medical doctor. It’s the same thing, just for your mind.

Few things I wish I knew before going to therapy:

1. It takes time. Yes, it can be expensive. Each session could be anywhere from $100-150. Don’t expect to come out of the first session and have made tremendous progress. It takes time to build a relationship with a therapist, took me about 4-5 sessions before I started really making improvements.

2. Before beginning to take antidepressants or anything similar, speak to your therapist about their opinion on what they think would work best for you (Typically medical doctors will prescribe antidepressants if you go directly to them). Therapy works better for some if you taking pills along with the in person sessions, depending on the case.

3. Therapy isn’t for everyone. I have one friend that did around 10 sessions and they really felt like they were getting nowhere. This could be because they didn’t really feel a connection with their therapist but I’m unsure. It made my friend feel even worst because they felt helpless. Don’t be afraid to ‘shop around’ and find the person that’s right for you. If you still are having a hard time with it, do some research, ask people what works for them. I found that even though mental health is a kind of taboo topic, if you talk with people about it, they generally open up as it is relatable to almost everyone.


I know I talk a lot of shit on NS but if anyone has any questions related to therapy stuff, please hit my DM. I’m no expert on the matter, I just have a little bit of experience and I know it can be daunting.

awesome advice ^^ I did not see results from therapy alone, but that paired with medication has really helped

Bumping for probably the most important thread on NS right now. Jesus that was a hell of a read and the comments too.



And quoting you cuz yeah the whole access to mental health is incredibly difficult. Outpatient psych is >3 months here to even get an appointment. I've seen people request to get admitted to the hospital just to see someone...anyone. Fucking nuts so for anyone in HS or beginning of college, there is a HUGE unmet need in the mental health field. So many issues of homelessness, crime, drug abuse, worker productivity, can be solved/helped with mental health treatment, but until we as a society place more value on mental health, it will continue to be a major issue.

Also for distinction since it's confusing sometimes, a psychiatrist (not to be confused with psychologist) is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who can prescribe meds. They are the tip top of experience and knowledge. Psychologists, therapists, counselors, and everything in between are also super great; they just can't prescribe but they can make recommendations to your doctor and also do tons of non-pharmacological approaches. Whatever you do, choose one of the above people over your family doctor if you can...it's their area expertise.

theabortionatorAfter reading this as well as other stuff on the topic. A big thing for me that isn't addressed is the lack of mental health resources. A don't jump hotline is great, but a lot of mental health stuggles are more than just one moment.

Our healthcare industry makes it pretty difficult to navigate these issues. During the election their was a commercial on about mental health and it being a tough year, then offering $100 off mental health counseling.

I get that maybe it was genuine, but it really shows the issues. Sure some people don't want to talk, don't admit their struggles, wouldn't necessarily accept help.

I think there are a ton of other people out there that would, myself included.

Our healthcare issue is crazy to navigate, especially with mental health issues. More insurances are covering mental health treatments but that's not even a guarantee. When people say "get help" as if it's as simple as just googling a therapist close to you and showing up, it can feel pretty shitty.

Idk where to go, i probably can't afford it if I did, I don't really know where to start.

If we're really going to put a dent in that, it's something that needs to change. We're the greatest country in the world allegedly and people live with injuries because they cant sfford to see a doctor, or their insurance if they have it doesn't cover this or that. Mental health is even worse. People just say fuck it, try to live the best they can and power through. Sometimes they make it, sometimes they don't.

I don't think we can ever eliminate suicide, but I think we can do a lot better.

I feel like the extent of our trying is grieving and wanting it to stop. As far as anything real and tangible to get us there? A lot of people aren't about it.

I'm pretty amazed I've made it to 32. Honestly it wouldn't surprised me if I killed myself. Ive been so close so many times for various reasons, or no reason at all. People say that depressed people should be happier and do fun things, I think I do a decent job of doing shit that mskes me happy, literally my actual job even. I try to stay positive and happy and have a good time. That can't always be enough for mental health issues.

We've changed to start accepting mental health issues more in the last decade. I still see posts and hear people blaming people. Being mad at them. In the moment grieving i get it, but way after or a person they weren't close with? It's kind of messed up. The person was in such a bad spot thst they fucking killed themself to get away and you're still judging them? Fuck that. Those people suck honestly.

Idk, i just think there's so much more we can do. I know some of the "talk to me if you need to talk or vent" posts are bs sometimes but for real if anyone ever needs to vent about shit hit me up. I'm not an expert on anything but I'm on here a lot and I've always got time.

In the future with politics and voting, and even stuff in you're communtiy think about mental health and things that could help make suicide less common.

There are more options than there used to be, mental health is less stigmatized, but we still have a long way to go. Unfortunately we're going to keep losing people we love. Maybe we can never stop it completely but at least give people some options.

Tldr

HypeBeastBumping for probably the most important thread on NS right now. Jesus that was a hell of a read and the comments too.



And quoting you cuz yeah the whole access to mental health is incredibly difficult. Outpatient psych is >3 months here to even get an appointment. I've seen people request to get admitted to the hospital just to see someone...anyone. Fucking nuts so for anyone in HS or beginning of college, there is a HUGE unmet need in the mental health field. So many issues of homelessness, crime, drug abuse, worker productivity, can be solved/helped with mental health treatment, but until we as a society place more value on mental health, it will continue to be a major issue.

Also for distinction since it's confusing sometimes, a psychiatrist (not to be confused with psychologist) is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who can prescribe meds. They are the tip top of experience and knowledge. Psychologists, therapists, counselors, and everything in between are also super great; they just can't prescribe but they can make recommendations to your doctor and also do tons of non-pharmacological approaches. Whatever you do, choose one of the above people over your family doctor if you can...it's their area expertise.

I'm going to try to get back on heath insurance and then hopefully be able to find something.

It's kind of shitty when you have mental health issues and then you have to jump through all kinds of hoops to do anything about. Even getting on health insurance.

As far as the countey, addictions, homeless, or other people's mental heath. We have this weird bullshit pride in this country where we feel like helping people is bad, giving people access to anything that helps them is bad, everyone should just do this or that "because that's what I did".

It's shitty but I sometimes wonder how far I'll make it. Been doing pretty good, not really with mental health at all actually, but I've been pretty good at staying alive somehow.

It's def frustrating when the same people who talk about how great America is, try to block people from having any resources. It's pretty sad.

Hopefully errbody on NS is doing alright these days.

HypeBeastBumping for probably the most important thread on NS right now. Jesus that was a hell of a read and the comments too.



And quoting you cuz yeah the whole access to mental health is incredibly difficult. Outpatient psych is >3 months here to even get an appointment. I've seen people request to get admitted to the hospital just to see someone...anyone. Fucking nuts so for anyone in HS or beginning of college, there is a HUGE unmet need in the mental health field. So many issues of homelessness, crime, drug abuse, worker productivity, can be solved/helped with mental health treatment, but until we as a society place more value on mental health, it will continue to be a major issue.

Also for distinction since it's confusing sometimes, a psychiatrist (not to be confused with psychologist) is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who can prescribe meds. They are the tip top of experience and knowledge. Psychologists, therapists, counselors, and everything in between are also super great; they just can't prescribe but they can make recommendations to your doctor and also do tons of non-pharmacological approaches. Whatever you do, choose one of the above people over your family doctor if you can...it's their area expertise.

Good point on the Psychiatrist vs Psychologist. I actually see both and I think that it is really effective expecially since I have bipolar which is most effectively treated with medication

Shout out to all the homies struggling. I'm with ya