From Climbing · Will Gadd · · 1m 20s
How Climbers Can Deal With Grief
Climbers must confront trauma, not silence it, to survive mountain deaths.
In brief
Climbers must confront trauma, not silence it, to survive mountain deaths. Climbers need mental health support after mountain deaths to avoid long-term trauma. Originally reported by Climbing.
The 'Shut Up And Die' Mentality
Climbers often ignore trauma after mountain deaths, leading to long-term suffering.
“Shut up and die like a man!”
Ken Wallator's Tragic Story
Ken Wallator died by suicide after losing his girlfriend Heidi on Mount Belanger.
“Heidi fell hundreds of meters down the face”
Will Gadd's Experience
Will Gadd witnessed Ken's trauma and later sought help after his own accident.
“I had nightmares for years of the paddler chasing me in the dark beside that river”
Will Stanhope's Death
Will Stanhope died after battling alcohol and facing legal charges while climbing.
“We couldn’t return to the mountains, we couldn’t return to each other”
Climbing Culture's Problem
Climbing celebrates 'bold' deaths without addressing trauma's long-term effects.
“We often celebrate the dead parent who doesn’t show up for their kids’ birthdays”
Military Trauma Protocols
Military veterans have trauma support systems climbers should adopt.
“Post traumatic stress is normal; post traumatic stress disorder is optional, if you get help”
The Grief Fund
The American Alpine Club and Mountain Muskox offer grief support for climbers.
“We need to recognize that a mountain death doesn’t end with the funeral”
Why Silence is Deadly
Silence after trauma leads to more deaths, not survival.
“Shutting up is not a solution, because silence is death”
The Path Forward
Climbers must seek help to avoid long-term trauma after mountain deaths.
“We can do better, if we want to”
The Real Change
Climbing culture is shifting to prioritize mental health over silence.
“We’re not tougher than the veterans or first responders even if our culture says we 'should' be”
The Last Word
Climbers need to speak up after trauma to survive.
“I promised myself that if I was in that situation in the future, I’d shut up”
The key point
Climbers need mental health support after mountain deaths to avoid long-term trauma.
