Grief and Loss Resources
Our deepest condolences go out to all the families and friends of people involved in avalanche fatalities and accidents. Below is a list of resources to help support you with the initial and future stages of grief.
Grief
Grief is the emotion you experience due to the loss of a friend or loved one. You may feel many difficult and unexpected emotions: denial, shock, anger, disbelief, guilt, and deep sadness. Loss happening in a mountain setting can cause multiple complex levels of impact.
First 24 hours:
- Who is a trusted friend or family member to look out for you and help create a safe, structured plan?
- What do you need to take care of basic comfort and emotional needs?
- What do you crave right now, and do you have any additional stressors?
Immediate help
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline— (text or call)- 988
Your local sheriff's office victims advocate group can provide immediate support after an incident.
Therapy
Therapy can be a useful part of the healing process. The resources below aren’t exhaustive, but they are organizations that focus on loss through mountain-related adventure sports. If you already have a relationship with a therapist, that is a great place to start.
- American Avalanche Association (AAA) - americanavalancheassociation.org/resilience-project - The American Avalanche Association’s Resilience Project seeks to provide support and resources for those impacted by mental health challenges associated with avalanches.
- Big Heart Big Hands - bigheartbighands.com - Supports counseling for those impacted by wilderness rescue.
- Survivors of Outdoor Adventures and Recovery (S.O.A.R) - soar4life.org - Provides information and resources for people navigating grief and trauma involving adventure accidents. Offer regular peer support groups for many sports.
- American Alpine Club - americanalpineclub.org/grieffund - Connects individuals to mental health professionals with a background in mountain sports. There are also funds available to support treatment.