Mental Health in a Mountain Town
The Sea to Sky corridor is home to a vibrant outdoor community where likeminded people come together to enjoy everything the surrounding landscape has to offer. However, while there isn’t a shortage of activities to enjoy in this part of the world, living in a town where everyone excels in their respective sports can create a constant sense of comparison and self-doubt. People may find themselves constantly evaluating their skills and achievements against their peers, leading to anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
Professional athletes may be particularly prone to being affected by the emotional ups and downs of living in this environment, particularly as their careers draw to an end. Transitioning out of a professional athletic career can be emotionally challenging and retirement often means saying goodbye to a defining part of one's identity and adjusting to a new way of life. The loss of routine, camaraderie, and the adrenaline rush that came with their sports can leave athletes feeling lost and without purpose. Although loss of identity, depression, and anxiety during this transition is common, it is not a subject that is often discussed. Finding support during these transitional periods is essential. Counselling provides a valuable resource in helping people navigate the emotional challenges they face. By providing a safe space to explore emotions, fears, and aspirations, counselling can help people find new sources of purpose and fulfillment beyond their athletic careers. Coping strategies, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and finding outlets for emotional expression can all contribute to managing the emotional rollercoaster associated with intense this type of intense athleticism.
While these emotional ups and down are evident in professional athletes, they are also common amongst the general community in mountain towns like Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. The intense adventures experienced in the mountains can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions. The rush of dopamine during these activities provides a sense of achievement and reward, but the subsequent drop in dopamine levels can contribute to low moods and a feeling of emptiness. The emotional peaks and valleys that follow these experiences can be difficult to navigate and may impact a person’s mental wellbeing.
Somatic approaches, such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, can be particularly effective in supporting people struggling in this way. By addressing trauma, unresolved emotions, and the mind-body connection, somatic counselling helps people gain a deeper understanding of themselves and develop resilience. Integrating the body's wisdom into the therapeutic process promotes healing, personal growth, and a renewed sense of self. By providing support, understanding, and access to counselling, we can help these people navigate their transitions, find new sources of purpose, and foster a resilient and thriving community.
