Lately, I’ve noticed how often mental health struggles in competitive fields whether it’s climbing, finance, or tech are framed as personal shortcomings rather than systemic issues. It’s like we’re expected to push through burnout, anxiety, or stress without questioning the environments that contribute to them.
I’ve seen it in my own world of climbing, where the pressure to perform can sometimes overshadow the importance of mental well-being. But why do we default to blaming individuals instead of looking at the bigger picture? Is it just easier to assume someone isn’t “tough enough” rather than addressing the culture that demands constant perfection?
I’m curious how do you all navigate this in your own fields? Have you found ways to shift the conversation or create spaces where mental health is treated as a collective responsibility rather than a personal failure? Would love to hear your thoughts.