# Molly Mitchell: Why I Quit Climbing > Molly Mitchell quit climbing after two years of mental health struggles, finding strength in returning to the sport she loved. - Title: Molly Mitchell: Why I Quit Climbing · Climbing | Shortify - Summary: Molly Mitchell quit climbing after two years of mental health struggles, finding strength in returning to the sport she loved. - Keywords: molly mitchell, mental health, climbing, recovery, self worth, psychological health, climbing shoes, central rock fort myers, sports, travel, Molly, Mitchell - Source: Climbing — https://climbing.com/community/molly-mitchell-why-i-quit-climbing - Author: Molly Mitchell - Published: 2026-10-13T14:28:43+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: molly mitchell, mental health, climbing, recovery, self worth, psychological health, climbing shoes, central rock fort myers, sports, travel ## The fall Molly Mitchell broke her back while attempting a dangerous 5.13+ route in Boulder Canyon, Colorado, on October 1, 2020. > i clipped two bitches ## The send Molly sent the 5.13+ route Crank It on May 16, 2022, after two years of recovery and mental health struggles. > it really ain t over until you clip the chains ## The shift Molly realized she loved the danger of climbing more than the sport itself, leading her to seek stability outside the climbing community. > i loved the parts that made people s eyes get wide ## The relationship Molly moved to Denver with her new partner in 2025, but their relationship deteriorated due to infidelity and mental health issues. > i think you d be such a bad mother because you pull out your own hair ## The crisis Molly experienced trichotillomania, depression, and a three-day drug-fueled sleep cycle in December 2025. > i had slept for three days straight after being drugged at a restaurant ## The treatment Molly checked into a mental health treatment center in March 2026 for 45 days, focusing on recovery and self-worth. > why can t i have my shoelaces ## The return Molly returned to climbing in August 2026 at Central Rock Fort Myers, feeling both scared and hopeful about her progress. > i want to climb because i love climbing that s it ## The future Molly plans to help aspiring athletes understand that their worth is bigger than their performance and mental health. > i want them to know that they are allowed to change ## The journey Molly has been climbing for about an hour before her forearms give out, but she finds strength in the process rather than proving herself. > sometimes strength is walking away ## The realization Molly understands that the biggest threat to her mental health came from within, not from the climbing walls. > i never learned how dangerous it could be to stay there ## The recovery Molly has been to the gym a handful of times since August 2026 and plans to keep climbing for mental health awareness. > i am becoming a climber again ## The next step Molly will show her film at the gym and use proceeds to support mental health causes related to climbing. > all proceeds will go to a meaningful cause related to climbing and mental health ## The healing Molly has stopped pulling her hair and is working on rebuilding her life piece by piece. > i am slowly piece by piece move by move ## The identity Molly no longer needs to prove she is fearless or capable of handling pain to be loved. > i don t need to prove that i m fearless ## The change Molly has found strength in accepting that her mental health is more important than climbing performance. > i want to climb because i love climbing that s it ## The future Molly plans to help athletes understand that their worth is bigger than their achievements and mental health. > i want them to know that they are allowed to change ## Key takeaway Molly Mitchell quit climbing after two years of mental health struggles, returning to the sport she loved.