The Emotional Aftershock of a Close Call in the Mountains

"A close call in the mountains involves experiencing an unexpected event that had the potential to inflict serious physical injury, death, or damage, but no injury or damage occurs. This can be psychologically jarring, particularly due to the sudden, unexpected nature."

"Emotions can feel jumbled up, intense, and complex after a close call. Common emotions include shame, disappointment, relief, and depression, each stemming from different aspects of the experience."

"Just as the physical body needs time to recover from high efforts in the mountains, the mind also needs time and space to process and integrate the experience of a close call."

A close call, or near miss, in the mountains can trigger significant psychological distress, even without physical injury. The aftermath often involves complex emotions such as shame, disappointment, relief, and depression. Individuals may feel embarrassed about their decisions leading to the incident and may experience disappointment regarding their actions during the event. Relief can follow once safety is restored, but a period of sadness may also ensue. Time and space are essential for processing and integrating these experiences.

Read at Psychology Today