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The Project
Climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents to raise awareness for those suffering in silence from OCD and other mental health illnesses
Seven Summits Overview
The Seven Summits is considered one of the greatest accomplishments for mountaineers and humankind. It combines physical strength with mental endurance and an overwhelming amount of logistical challenges. The first to complete the challenge was the American Richard Bass in 1985, and fewer than a thousand people have accomplished it since. Some people argue that there are eight or nine summits, given geographical disputes in Australia and Eurasia. For my challenge, I am considering the country of Australia as its own continent (on par with Bass’s and most others’ opinions), which means climbing Mount Kosciuszko (Australia) instead of Carstensz Pyramid, located in Papua New Guinea, Oceania. Also, I have decided to climb Mount Blanc, the undisputed highest mountain in Western Europe, in the country of France, instead of Mount Elbrus, located in a more vague geographic area commonly referred to as Eurasia, situated in Russia. Mont Blanc is considered a part of the Hackett Seven Summits list, but is not considered a part of the Bass or Messner list. I am choosing to climb Mont Blanc because of the political tensions in Russia, especially the increased risk of visiting as an American. Although Elbrus is higher than Mont Blanc, many consider Blanc to be a technically more difficult climb, and since Europe and Asia can be considered as one continent, I think it is fair for people to choose between climbing Mont Blanc or Elbrus as their European summit.
The Peaks
1. Everest (Sagarmatha or Chomolungma)
- Continent: Asia
- Country: Nepal/Tibet (China)
- Height: 8,848 m (29,035 ft)
2. Aconcagua
- Continent: South America
- Country: Argentina
- Height: 6,962 m (22,841 ft)
3. Denali
- Continent: North America
- Country: United States of America (Alaska)
- Height: 6,194 m (20,320 ft)
4. Kilimanjaro
- Continent: Africa
- Country: Tanzania
- Height: 5,895 m (19,340 ft)
5. Vinson Massif
- Continent: Antarctica
- Height: 4,892 m (16,050 ft)
6. Mont Blanc
- Continent: Europe
- Country: France/Italy
- Height: 4,805 m (15,766 ft)
7. Kosciuszko
- Continent: Australia
- Country: Australia
- Height: 2,228 m (7,310 ft)
Raising Awareness for OCD
The World Health Organization has listed OCD as one of the top 10 debilitating illnesses worldwide. That does not mean only mental illnesses, but all types, ranging from cognitive to physical diseases. About 1 out of 40 adults in the US has OCD or will develop it later in life. Unfortunately, OCD is relatively common compared to other illnesses, and what is less fortunate is that, on average, kids and teens struggle for 2.5 years before being assessed by a mental health professional. This is a significant amount of time that can severely affect someone’s life, and possibly end it. That is why more people need to speak up and not use OCD as a term simply for someone who likes to keep things organized and tidy.
Many people with OCD are trapped and cannot live a normal life due to constant compulsions preventing them from carrying out everyday tasks, and, as I have experienced, the thought of suicide is extremely real. OCD victims feel like there is no way out and that they are alone, especially those who suffer from rarer subtypes of OCD, such as Pure OCD. In my teens, I was tormented by such thoughts and felt that I was crazy. No person, let alone kids, should suffer from such thoughts. That is why I want to climb. To show people worldwide that their pain is temporary and there is a way out of the suffering. I am not seeking to collect donations for a health-related organization, but rather attention from the media and opportunities to speak about my journey, standing in solidarity with others who suffer. Change starts with awareness.
Some examples of how Vincent will spread awareness:
- Speak at the International OCD Foundation’s Conference Series
- Speak on OCD-related podcasts
- Give presentations at businesses, schools, and organizations
- Write OCD-related blog articles to be published in larger media outlets
- Post mental health-related content on social media
- Write a book titled ‘Of Mountains and Minds’ that discusses the intersection of climbing, mental health, and spirituality
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