The first time I touched a climbing wall, my hands were shaking so badly I could barely grip the holds. The irony wasn't lost on me – here I was, someone with severe anxiety, voluntarily putting myself forty feet in the air. But what I didn't know then was that this terrifying first encounter would become my most powerful tool for managing anxiety.
The Beginning of the Climb
It started as a desperate attempt to try something – anything – new. After years of traditional therapy and medication for my anxiety disorder, I was still struggling. My therapist had suggested finding an activity that would challenge me physically while requiring mental focus. My friend Jamie, an avid climber, had been trying to get me to join her at the climbing gym for months.
"Just once," she said. "If you hate it, I'll never ask again."
The Science Behind the Wall
Later, I learned there was science behind what I'd experienced. Rock climbing combines several elements that research has shown to be beneficial for anxiety:
- Mindfulness through necessary focus
- Exposure therapy (gradually facing fears)
- Physical exercise
- Problem-solving
- Community support
Lessons from the Wall
- Progress isn't linear – sometimes you have to traverse sideways or even down to ultimately move up
- Everyone's route is different – comparison only holds you back
- Trust is earned through experience, both in climbing and in life
- Sometimes the best way past fear is through it
- Community makes hard things easier
An Ongoing Journey
I'm not "cured" of anxiety, but I have a different relationship with it now. Like a difficult climbing route, I've learned to approach it with respect, preparation, and the knowledge that I'm capable of more than I think.
Three years later, I still climb three times a week. My anxiety hasn't disappeared completely, but I have tools now – real, practical tools – to manage it. When panic starts to rise, I hear Jamie's voice: "Just focus on the next hold."
Have you found an unexpected activity that helps with your mental health? How has physical activity impacted your anxiety? Share your stories in the comments below.