@Kandelero my apologies if I came off like a dick. Not my intention. The 2 rope thing just grinds my gears. It has it's place but sure is not a cure all. Just my opinion. The OP has anxiety which I am sure might be a combination of things but I am not a therapist. He has not come forward with more info lately.
Anxiety / Hesitancy about Climbing Bigger and Taller Trees
- Thread starter climbingmonkey24
- Start date
climbingmonkey24
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- United States
Thanks for all the in-depth responses and advice. I’m still reading through all of them.
I definitely do think anxiety outside of the job contributes to heightened anxiety when in the trees. I’m sure it comes across in my posts at times as well. But that’s something I and only I can address but I am well aware of it.
Maybe I will start doing more rec climbing again, forcing myself out of my comfort zone more, etc. as a way to try and get more comfortable in certain climbing scenarios.
I definitely do think anxiety outside of the job contributes to heightened anxiety when in the trees. I’m sure it comes across in my posts at times as well. But that’s something I and only I can address but I am well aware of it.
Maybe I will start doing more rec climbing again, forcing myself out of my comfort zone more, etc. as a way to try and get more comfortable in certain climbing scenarios.
Last edited:
Chris Schultz
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- Minturn
I’m getting heart palpitations just reading this.
Reach
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Atglen, PA
My father drank a full gallon of coffee every day for years, he carried a 64 ounce mug that he filled at Turkey Hill on his way to work in the morning, and then he refilled it at morning break. Somehow he survived that, I don’t know how.
Now ya talking bro....learn to enjoy it and the sweet views. Keep it simple.
Burrapeg
Been here a while
- Location
- Puget Sound
Good luck to you, Monkey, and best holiday wishes to all you chaps.
Cheers, Stewart
Cheers, Stewart
One thing I do when I'm feeling the height- break out any small deadwood around with your hand, with your ear pro off. I find narrowing focus to arms length is good. something very calming about the feel of the twig in hand, and the snap in response to my motion. Your mileage may vary but I do this a lot to settle and refocus if my anxiety is up.
Also, in my experience life stressors absolutely carry with you even when they are not obvious to your conscious mind. take some time to sit with yourself. One thing I do is Imagine I was going to ask a question to an Oracle. Thinking about what question you'd want answered has been enormously clarifying in times when things lurk below perception.
Best of luck
Also, in my experience life stressors absolutely carry with you even when they are not obvious to your conscious mind. take some time to sit with yourself. One thing I do is Imagine I was going to ask a question to an Oracle. Thinking about what question you'd want answered has been enormously clarifying in times when things lurk below perception.
Best of luck
dspacio
Branched out member
- Location
- Narragansett Bay
I had a unique experience a few weeks ago: two climbers in two oaks about forty feet from another, 60-70 feet up.
The areas we were working were leaning out over wraparound porch and house, so it was nothing beneath us the whole way down.
The other climber called, "man, it's getting to me today, a little nervous up here." and we were both able to have a moment of recognition of where we were, rigging big oak chunks way up.
As many said, it's not unreasonable to be aware of the risks that are at hand. This little acknowledgement we had that day, encouraged me through the rest of the climb. What I noticed is I kept checking the alignment of my carabiners, just making sure everything was sitting well and aligned before I made any major movements. Maybe a simple routine, like a program to kick in when anxiety comes: a small checklist to assess all the risk factors.
I climbed a snapped-top oak the other day, tied in to a compromised top with a split down it. I know oaks well, so felt confident. Up 60ft with no limbs 'til then. I took some time to re-set the whole system, and lanyard in before making the first big cut (25 foot limb section). I like to walk through exactly what I think will happen, then factor in what could happen, and have escape routes in mind, just like felling.
I agree with what many said, anxiety is not bad, it's a function of our awareness. My view is that it arises when the responsibility at hand begins to exceed the resource and security we have at hand. For us as climbers, it is our skills that provide that sense of security. Proper gear is required, yet ultimately it's an inner strength that conquers the anxiety. I follow a little prayer if I am really worried about something. Generally from there I can sense if it's a go, or I have more preparation to do.
The areas we were working were leaning out over wraparound porch and house, so it was nothing beneath us the whole way down.
The other climber called, "man, it's getting to me today, a little nervous up here." and we were both able to have a moment of recognition of where we were, rigging big oak chunks way up.
As many said, it's not unreasonable to be aware of the risks that are at hand. This little acknowledgement we had that day, encouraged me through the rest of the climb. What I noticed is I kept checking the alignment of my carabiners, just making sure everything was sitting well and aligned before I made any major movements. Maybe a simple routine, like a program to kick in when anxiety comes: a small checklist to assess all the risk factors.
I climbed a snapped-top oak the other day, tied in to a compromised top with a split down it. I know oaks well, so felt confident. Up 60ft with no limbs 'til then. I took some time to re-set the whole system, and lanyard in before making the first big cut (25 foot limb section). I like to walk through exactly what I think will happen, then factor in what could happen, and have escape routes in mind, just like felling.
I agree with what many said, anxiety is not bad, it's a function of our awareness. My view is that it arises when the responsibility at hand begins to exceed the resource and security we have at hand. For us as climbers, it is our skills that provide that sense of security. Proper gear is required, yet ultimately it's an inner strength that conquers the anxiety. I follow a little prayer if I am really worried about something. Generally from there I can sense if it's a go, or I have more preparation to do.
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