Looking back through some old articles and threads on UKC and racking my brain of experiences, both personal and from others, climbing seems to play a large role in helping people cope.
I've seen examples of this ranging from coming to terms with a loss (romantically or a death; a climbing partner or otherwise), dealing with mental illness, becoming more comfortable in one's own skin or rehabilitation from drug addiction or alcoholism. Maybe this is a common theme among lots of sports and hobbies, but it seems climbing in particular seems to play a pivotal role in helping people through. Perhaps it's the aspect of being combined with nature and the outdoors. I can't really put a finger on it from my perspective, I guess it just makes me happy and clears the mind.
I'm interested in other people's thoughts and maybe any further reading into this if that exists at all?
Ollie
