“Culturally, for some reason, we attribute mental illness as a weakness and that’s definitely not the case.” – Kolby Ziemendorf

Climb a mountain to help conquer suicide. On this episode, we are fortunate to have Kolby Ziemendorf, co-founder of 46Climbs. 46Climbs is an annual event and organization that encourages many individuals across the United States and the world to take on the challenge of conquering suicide through the physical challenge of climbing and hiking. The connection between getting into the outdoors and strengthening mental health is so prevalent. Mountains have the power to heal and strengthen.

About 46Climbs:

Started in 2014, 46Climbs has grown from a dream of fundraising $10,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) through climbing the Adirondack 46 High Peaks in 1 week, to having people all over the world raise a total of over $200,000. Last year alone there were 400 participants! The premise of the event is as follows:

  1. Pick a mountain or group of mountains (large or small) and climb it between Sunday, September 8 and Saturday, September 14 (2019 National Suicide Prevention Week)
  2. Register your climb (beforehand) and fund raise towards your event.
  3. Post photos to #46Climbs
  4. Help spread the word that it is okay to talk about whatever you are going through.

In This Episode:

  1. How 46Climbs started after the passing of a close friend.
  2. The importance of Community and how mountains encourage it.
  3. How mountains provide a platform to open up and talk about whatever we are going through.
  4. Dealing with stresses by going to the mountains.
  5. How to GET INVOLVED with 46Climbs in 2019.

46Climbs and AFSP Links:

Email: contact@46climbs.com

46Climbs Website: http://46climbs.com

Find a hike: http://46climbs.com/findahike/

AFSP Website: https://afsp.org

How long should a hike take? Check out 46Climbs hike time calculator:

Donate

Donations go to AFSP and help fund suicide prevention programs and the suicide prevention hotline.

It would mean the absolute world to me if you would Head over to itunes and leave an honest review. In doing so, you could be featured as the fan of the week on an upcoming Friday episode. Tag @46Climbs and @_tosummitup and let us know what you think or if you’d like to get involved!

The To Summit Up theme song was written and produced by the amazing Jordan Wolf. You can find him on instagram at @jwolfy3.

You matter and this life is extraordinary. Go out there and make a difference in your life by being intentional about getting outside more in 2019.

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Summary
Event
46 Climbs
Location
Any Mountain or Outdoor Place,