Open crevasse, Tangra Mountains, Antarctica, Author Apcbg, (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
A chasm opens up again. Depression yawns before us once more, sucking us in despite our best efforts.
It may be that something reminded us of our earlier trauma. It may be that regret over an old loss or error in judgment morphed from sadness into despair. Whatever the cause, as abuse victims we can suddenly find ourselves falling headlong into darkness.
Consumed with self-loathing, we may feel achingly alone in a crowd, strangers in a strange land while at a local mall or familiar church service.
The greetings, compliments, and good wishes of loved ones – however many, however sincere – are dismissed as undeserved. Life loses its savor. Even prayer seems stale.
Surprisingly, the skills and equipment necessary to alpine rescue have bearing on this.
Fatal Self-Isolation
Engulfed by depression, our instinct will likely be to self-isolate. But this can be a fatal mistake, effectively putting us at risk of hypothermia from the cold of the mountain crevasse into which we have fallen.
It can take a rescue team and specialized equipment to pull a climber who has fallen into such a crevasse back to safety.
Climbing Team
It is essential to remember that none of us really climbs the mountains of life alone. We are all linked to others – to family, friends, roommates, neighbors, teachers, classmates, coaches, teammates, co-workers, health care providers, crisis hot lines, and God, Himself. These are vital resources.
Holding the Fall
The first thing to do is hold the fall. On a mountainside, the technique required is for a climber to dig the sides of his/her feet firmly into the snow, while plunging the shaft of his/her ice axe into the snow. This is what we must do as abuse survivors, as well.
Will power alone will not overcome depression. But we have a choice on whether we go deeper into darkness or not. We must set our minds on resisting the depression, then take the steps needed to do that.
Secure Platform
Security for the downhill foot is created by kicking a platform into the snow, or cutting one with an axe. If the climber is not incapacitated, it may be possible for him/her at this point to climb up the rescue rope.
A regular pattern of rest, activity, healthy nutrition, and self-nurture is the equivalent of a secure platform for abuse victims. The body thrives on regularity, and will strive to recover.
Physical activity from sports to dancing can help exorcise depression. Self-care (a warm bath, a walk in the woods) reminds us that we have worth.
Ice Axe
Contact should be attempted with the fallen climber, even if this is difficult.
Though we may not realize it, human contact is as necessary as air for abuse victims. We may not feel up to attending a party. But smiling at a neighbor over the backyard fence or saying “hello” to the postman is a start, and can be as strong as an ice axe against depression.
Friends should be alerted that we are in need, so that they maintain contact with us.
Snow Anchor
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain” (Heb. 6: 19).
If the climber is unable to assist, an anchor has to be made in the snow to pull him/her up.
The unassailable anchor for abuse victims is God. Open communication with God in prayer can strengthen our faith, regardless of our emotional state. For some, anti-depressants may, also, be necessary.
But certainty as to God’s love for us makes us less susceptible to depression, less susceptible to fall in the first place. He knows us at our weakest, at our worst, and loves us anyway.
French Prusik and Carabiners
An autoblock knot known as a French prusik is a type of friction hitch commonly used in climbing and rappelling. A cord is wrapped around the main rope, then clipped at both ends into carabiners, a specialized type of shackle.
Designed to grip the rope when loaded, the French prusik can be released while still under load (making it useful for emergencies). In this way, some of the weight of the fallen climber can be transferred to the anchor.
In the same way, hobbies and activities we enjoyed in the past can serve to connect us to life, shifting some of the weight of darkness off our shoulders.
Creativity is a powerful tool for healing trauma. But we do not have to create gardening, musical, or artistic masterpieces.
Simply engaging in activities we used to like allows us to express our feelings, without being swallowed whole by them. Slowly, it will remind us of why we took pleasure in these activities in the first place.
Lantern and Light
The very knowledge that depression distorts our perception can act as a lantern, guiding us back to a true sense of self.
Love, above all else, is the light which conquers darkness. We must keep it always close at hand.
It may be the sight of a precious child’s face. It may be the recollection that a parent, sibling, or spouse would be devastated without us that ultimately aids us in overcoming our darkness. It may be a caring psychologist that reminds us who we really are.
Though depression can be life-threatening, it need not be permanent and need not be lethal. We must, however, remember to keep our climbing gear at the ready.
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: https://alawyersprayers.com
A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More 
This is a very creative and compassionate approach, Anna. The mountain-rescue metaphor really is applicable. As I was thinking through your examples, I know that the rescue team description has proven true for me, and as you point out, it’s against the inclination to self-isolate. I especially like your characterization of aspects like people, routines, and faith as lifelines rather than quick fixes. As always, thank you for writing something that meets suffering with both honesty and care. Have a great week!
You are so kind, Scott. I have wrestled with anxiety, depression, and PTSD for most of my life. We would much prefer to slay these “demons” once and for all. But if that is not possible, we must not forget that we have resources available w/ which to combat them. Have a wonderful week, my friend. It’s snowing here! 🙂
Oh, this was really lovely, Anna! Well done.
I had to laugh, I absolutely could picture myself stuck in the cold of a mountain crevasse, most likely hiding from rescuers and trying not to be found. Alas, I’d probably start to feel bad about all that effort and specialized equipment going to waste and have to come out!
This time of year especially, I do have to pay attention to good nutrition, getting outside everyday even in the meager daylight, and sitting in front of my happy light everyday.
Glad you liked the post, Gabrielle! Personally, I’m an expert at self-isolation. ❤
Trauma and depression is liken to a threatening glacial crevasse and the mechanisms needed for survival.
I liken this post to a first aid kit for trauma victims 😌
That makes me very happy, Ravishank.
😌
True
On Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 12:05 AM ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving
…well put!
Thank you, Mark.
The climbing gear metaphor felt so real, Anna. It made me think about the people and small habits that quietly help us keep going when things feel heavy.
I’m so glad you liked it, Ritish.
oh no!
This piece turns the idea of climbing gear into a powerful metaphor for how we can pull ourselves out of darkness with connection, compassion, and courage, reminding us we don’t have to make the climb alone.
Will power alone will not overcome depression.👍
It wasn’t until I started seeking what I’m actually in and why these things happen that I started gaining respect for EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. The good, the bad, the disgusting….ALL OF IT. SEEK TRUTH AND YOU TOO WILL UNDERSTAND.
I am not sure where you are seeking truth. Be very careful of the source. Many modern mystics and others claim to offer truth. Only the Bible, however, is a trustworthy source.
In my own opinion, it is not as devastating to confront the truth that we were abused than it is to continue experiences the after-effects w/o understanding their cause. The truth of who we are, despite the abuse, can be found in the word of God.
The majority of society does’t have the keys to decipher the Bible. It definitely is a gateway and following the Master Jesus is how I discovered Truth but it lead me directly out of the Bible to discover it. There are an enormous amount of other sources. Once I found them MY EYES WERE OPENED.
Though we can study the Bible endlessly, it is meant to be understood by the average person. See, https://biblehub.com/q/why_is_the_bible's_language_complex.htm.
The Bible is not a source of “secret knowledge” intended for an elite few. If you have been drawn in that direction, you may have fallen into Gnosticism, which is a dangerous heresy. If it is of any help to you, I wrote a two-part series on Gnosticism. You can find it at https://alawyersprayers.com/2025/06/29/gnosticism/ and https://alawyersprayers.com/2025/07/06/gnosticism-part-2/.
I never said it was meant for an elite group. What I said was the majority don’t have the keys to decipher it. The keys are out there but you have to go seeking them….out of the Bible. The only thing dangerous is an “evil” heart. The word evil is very misunderstood as well. Evil is negation, ignorance. To tell an individual “they have fallen into Gnosticism, which is a dangerous heresy” is actually evil. The Bible tells you you have to sacrifice your life in order to save it. Now depending on where one is at on there level of understanding one can take this verse to mean different things. I first took this scriptures meaning and applied it to LOSING MY PLACE IN HEAVEN. I FEARED GOING TO HELL AND JESUS NEVER WANTING TO SEE ME AGAIN. That’s the risk I took and I’m so glad I did because in doing so IT ACTIVATED MY CHRIST CONSCIOUSNESS. I HAD THE KUNDALINI AWAKENING and I had no idea at the time what happened to me. Now after more than 2 years and well of 100 of books read and dreams showing me some personal stuff, I’m well aware of my personal awareness of the INNER SELF and what we are all in. I highly recommend to each and every person walking this planet to SEEK TRUTH WITH A PURE HEART and THE VEIL WILL BE LIFTED. I say all of this with the utmost respect and love and I BEG HUMANITY TO SEEK TRUTH AND GET AWAY FROM THE DEADLETTER DOGMATIC TEACHINGS OF RELIGION. I’m not saying to abandoned religion by any means but I am saying to ABANDON THE EXOTERIC TEACHINGS OF EACH RELIGION AND SEEK THE ESOTERIC TEACHINGS OF YOUR PREFERRED RELIGION. I highly suggest looking into the THEOSOPHY SOCIETY. If you really want your mind opened read THE MAHATMA LETTERS. This book contains the letters sent from 2 of the Masters helping to start the Theosophy movement.
I am truly sorry that I offended you. I am sure this will offend you, as well. However, your reply confirms that you are likely reading into the Bible what was never there.
Theosophy is heavily derived from Hinduism and Buddhism. The Bible warns, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2: 8).
You are obviously sincere. I hope you find your way back to the truth of the Bible.
There is no religion higher than Truth. I truly hope you seek that. May Peace be with you.
I appreciate your kind wishes. I wish you the same. Just remember that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14: 6). There is no higher “truth”. And no one comes to the Father except through Him.