Stress Continuum

This page needs to be updated to reflect and connect more directly to recent resources or updated links from AAC. For now, here are more current links with more resources: 

https://americanalpineclub.org/psych-ed and https://americanalpineclub.org/grieffund 

February 19, 2023: The content on this page was put together for one of the climb leaders' BCEP 2022 teams, based on their own training and background (Chris LeDoux), and is shared here in a temporary way, until we have more collaborative resources to share, working with First Aid, CISM, and other members, and ideally to share these ideas more broadly (this was originally shared with BCEP students). This was part of building out these resources from material that we already had that could be important to leaders. This page was published 12/9/22 prior to the leader update and hasn't been updated to include any content directly from the leader update. Stay tuned as we improve and update, working with others, and linking to other content where appropriate.

The Stress Continuum

The spectrum of responses to a stress injury can be represented by the Stress Continuum.  The Stress Continuum shows that with appropriate support, we can recover. It helps us better understand our long term adaptation to stress, and how we can move along it to continue enjoying what we love. 

Laura McGladrey adapted it from the military for search and rescue and other first responders, and also for climbers. 

Stress Continuum: How to talk about stress injuries

With an awareness of the stress continuum, it becomes easier to understand how changes in how we do things to better support each other helps move each of us along the Stress Continuum, even when the stress injuries might not be directly from climbing. Learn more about the Stress Continuum, trauma, and grief in climbing at this excellent resource: https://americanalpineclub.org/psych-ed .

The Stress Continuum was adapted for climbers too. The notes in bold indicate actions that can be taken to move left on the continuum. No matter where we are in the spectrum, with the right support, we can recover. In climbing and in life, stress injuries will occur. Through the adoption of "greener" practices and actions, we can help each other move on the Stress Continuum toward green in the graphic, which might represent an ideal of feeling rested, relaxed, and more easily able to learn, and even interact with others. 

Also in AAC Psychoeducation Grief Resources:

"It is important to note that recovery is possible no matter where you are on the spectrum. Becoming more aware of what you are like in each zone will help you reach out and ask for help when you need it. It’s also important to note that a shift from one stage to another can be caused by one major incident of trauma or loss, or it may happen after many years of small stressful events. The key to prevention and recovery in any phase is making deliberate choices that bring you back into the green zone, and asking for help. Together we are building a climbing culture of community and support. There is a community for you."