52: My Friend Kris

For the Love of Climbing

This is Jess and Chelsea. They’re both climbers, they both live in Colorado. They both love dogs, and they’re forever inextricably tied together by these very common, uncomplicated things. They’re also forever connected because of this one very complicated big thing.

In September of 2020, the climbing community lost Kris Ugarizza to suicide. Three years later, we’re sharing this story through the lens of two friends in order to promote more action and awareness on prevention.

This podcast continues to work with Better Help to break down the stigma and persistent societal belief that mental health issues are a sign of weakness, and because everybody deserves a good support system, and sometimes that starts with one person. Go to betterhelp.com/climbing to find out more information about online therapy.

If you’re having a crisis or thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is here.

For the Love of Climbing is presented by Patagonia. Additional support is from deuter USA, Allez Outdoor, and Ocún.

Music is licensed by Music Bed. Additional music is licensed by Blue Dot Sessions.

Read the transcript here.

Catch up on podcast (pod-Kath?) updates and general life things: @inheadlights

Therapy is for everyone: BetterHelp

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