Climbing for Mental Health Trip
Donation protected
My names Alex, I'm currently 25 and was diagnosed with Bipolar type 2 at the age of 19. Since then I've gone through my ups and down of medications, doctors, and judgement from family, friends, and employers. I had a very big problem believing this disorder was going to hold me back from the future I wanted, so I stopped trying. Anyone dealing with a mental illness or anyone who knows someone who is can probably relate. The stigma that these illnesses bring onto people are very hard to overcome when talking to someone thats uneducated.
Mental health awareness and climbing have become the two biggest passions in my life. I started climbing a few years ago and learned that it had a positive effect on my outlook with my disorder and helps me on a daily basis to cope with my anxiety or panic attacks. It's given me the push I needed to remind myself of the possibillities and strength I still have.
The main goal of this trip is to bring hope to those suffering from mental illness. To be the example that it doesn't have to hinder you from living the life you want. I will be on the road for about two years, starting in Michigan where I'm currently based. I'll be traveling the country to different areas for climbing, hiking and will be documenting everything I do. I have a blog started to share the process of planning this trip as well as talking about my expiriences on the trip. It will range from any types of training I go through for climbing, to exactly what moods are affecting my day and how I overcome them. It should be mentioned that I'm doing this trip by myself (plus my dog) and I'm currently living an unmedicated life and plan to continue for the duration of the trip.
The total amount of money I asked for covers a year of campsite rentals $22x365 days and 2 years of food supply for me and my dog $50x104 weeks. I plan on spending most of my time camping on BLM, National Forest, and National Grassland areas that are all free, which is why that esitmate is based on only 365 days and will be used for any areas where camping for free is not an option. I live a very minimal life, am very resourcful, and am very frugal with money so I'm sure this number is higher than the amount that I'll actually use. Any left over money will be split in half and then donated to two different organizations:
1. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org
2. Climbing Access Fund
https://www.accessfund.org
I encourage you to visit these sites and read more about what they have to offer in the communitiy.
Absolutely none of the money will be used for my own personal bills or anything other than what is mentioned. I'm also not an ambassador or sponsored by any company or organization.
I'm currently still attending school online for my Acounting degree and will continue until I get my degree while I'm on the road. I plan to start my trip at the begining of May 2017, after some of my finals. So I have time to raise money. I show great gratitude for anyone willing to support this trip. It not only helps me but helps a lot of other people battling the same fight.
I will keep updates on my blog and add the link to this account when it's set up. I welcome any questions and concerns you might have.
Thank you again!
Mental health awareness and climbing have become the two biggest passions in my life. I started climbing a few years ago and learned that it had a positive effect on my outlook with my disorder and helps me on a daily basis to cope with my anxiety or panic attacks. It's given me the push I needed to remind myself of the possibillities and strength I still have.
The main goal of this trip is to bring hope to those suffering from mental illness. To be the example that it doesn't have to hinder you from living the life you want. I will be on the road for about two years, starting in Michigan where I'm currently based. I'll be traveling the country to different areas for climbing, hiking and will be documenting everything I do. I have a blog started to share the process of planning this trip as well as talking about my expiriences on the trip. It will range from any types of training I go through for climbing, to exactly what moods are affecting my day and how I overcome them. It should be mentioned that I'm doing this trip by myself (plus my dog) and I'm currently living an unmedicated life and plan to continue for the duration of the trip.
The total amount of money I asked for covers a year of campsite rentals $22x365 days and 2 years of food supply for me and my dog $50x104 weeks. I plan on spending most of my time camping on BLM, National Forest, and National Grassland areas that are all free, which is why that esitmate is based on only 365 days and will be used for any areas where camping for free is not an option. I live a very minimal life, am very resourcful, and am very frugal with money so I'm sure this number is higher than the amount that I'll actually use. Any left over money will be split in half and then donated to two different organizations:
1. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org
2. Climbing Access Fund
https://www.accessfund.org
I encourage you to visit these sites and read more about what they have to offer in the communitiy.
Absolutely none of the money will be used for my own personal bills or anything other than what is mentioned. I'm also not an ambassador or sponsored by any company or organization.
I'm currently still attending school online for my Acounting degree and will continue until I get my degree while I'm on the road. I plan to start my trip at the begining of May 2017, after some of my finals. So I have time to raise money. I show great gratitude for anyone willing to support this trip. It not only helps me but helps a lot of other people battling the same fight.
I will keep updates on my blog and add the link to this account when it's set up. I welcome any questions and concerns you might have.
Thank you again!
Organizer
Alexandra Detwiler
Organizer
Hazel Park, MI
