Climbing Mental Mountains: One Step at a Time

In episode 55 of Homes That Heal, we’re climbing mental mountains with my friend Keith Batenhorst. His story starts in the shadows of panic attacks, self-medication, and isolation. But what followed was something powerful: a series of decisions to keep showing up, even when it was hard. Especially when it was hard. What started as one summit turned into a mission to help others find hope and healing too.

This isn’t just about fitness. It’s about what happens when endurance meets emotional honesty. It’s about vulnerability, community, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

How Climbing Mental Mountains Became Keith’s Lifeline

Keith’s story began with a simple, gut-wrenching truth: he was struggling badly. He couldn’t run around the block, he was self-medicating to get through panic attacks, and he had suicidal thoughts. And even after climbing Grand Teton—one of the proudest moments of his life—he woke up the next morning feeling exactly the same.

There was no magical cure. No instant transformation. Just a small, thin layer of hope peeled away from years of weight. And yet… that was enough to keep going.

Keith opens up about what it felt like to hit rock bottom. We’re not talking about a bad day. We’re talking full-blown panic attacks, drinking to cope, and feeling like there was no point in waking up. His candor is sobering, but also important. Because the truth is, so many people walk around with that same weight and we don’t talk about it enough.

What helped crack things open? A moment of perspective. Someone close to Keith was going through an even darker time. As he tried to support them, he caught a reflection of himself in the process. That mirror moment changed everything. He realized he needed to start walking the walk, not just for others, but for himself.

The Mental Mountains Project: Turning Pain Into Purpose

Enter: The Mental Mountains Project, Keith’s nonprofit aimed at removing financial barriers to therapy. After experiencing firsthand how difficult and expensive it was to access consistent, quality mental health care, Keith decided to raise funds by climbing mountains. Literally.

So he gave himself a crazy goal: to climb Kilimanjaro as a fundraiser. And while he was at it? He added an Ironman triathlon and Mount Whitney climb to the calendar, all within six weeks. Yep. This guy does not do things halfway.

But it wasn’t just about showing how strong he was. It was about making his struggle visible and using it as a light for others. Because, as he said so powerfully in the episode: “If I can do this, anyone can.”

Vulnerability Is the Real Muscle

Keith shared openly on social media, with friends, and with strangers. He stopped trying to make his story sound palatable or polished and just started telling the truth. That’s when things started to shift.

He spoke about crying at the summit. About not wanting to wake up some days. About feeling like a fraud in his leadership role. And something remarkable happened: people connected.

They didn’t admire the mask. They respected the mess. His honesty became an invitation for others to say, “Me too.” And that, he says, was what truly started to heal him.

What’s Next for Keith: More Mountains to Climb

Keith isn’t done climbing. This summer, he’s running his first trail marathon and heading to France to summit Mont Blanc. Then, in the fall he’ll take on the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon challenge, a 45-mile run with 12,000 feet of elevation change.

And as if that weren’t enough? He’s booked a 42-mile sea-to-summit cycle up Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii and one of the most grueling climbs on the planet.

Why? Because each step, each mile, each brutal ascent reminds him that he’s alive and that someone else might find hope in his journey.

Join the Movement: Miles for Mental Health

One of the coolest parts of Keith’s story is the launch of Miles for Mental Health, a spinoff of the Mental Mountains Project. For every training mile he logs, Keith donates $1 of his own money to the nonprofit and invites others to join him.

Whether you walk, hike, run, or cycle, you can pledge your miles too. You don’t have to summit Kilimanjaro to make a difference. Your mountain might be showing up to therapy. Or getting out of bed. Or asking for help. Whatever it is, that’s your mountain and it’s worth climbing.

Final Thoughts

Keith’s story is about so much more than athletic feats. It’s about showing up, being seen, and using our own pain as a catalyst for connection. It’s about understanding that the road to healing is rarely linear, but always worth it.

Climbing mental mountains doesn’t require boots or gear. Sometimes it just means telling the truth, letting someone in, asking for help, and choosing to keep going when everything in you wants to stop.

We hope Keith’s story stays with you. And if you’re facing your own mountain right now? We hope it reminds you: you’re not alone.

BIO:

Keith is the founder of the non-profit Mental Mountains Project, an organization that raises money and awareness for those who can’t afford therapy services. He is an aspiring endurance athlete who entered the mountaineering and endurance world in an effort to overcome his own self-limiting beliefs on what he was capable of, while inspiring a community of people burdened by their own self-doubts that they’re capable of still pursuing their dreams. Keith lives by the motto of “showing up,” believing that by consistently choosing his attitude and effort, he can help create a world where all things are possible—for himself and for others.

 Learn More About Mental Mountains Project: 

• Follow Keith’s journey and support the mission:  www.mentalmountainsproject.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/keithbatenhorst
• Donate or join the Miles for Mental Health movement: mentalmountainsproject.org/miles-4-mental-health

Resources:

• Take a peek at my Jen Recommends list to see more of my favorite products.
• Grab my FREE Home Wellness Checklist here for more tips.
• Let us know what you think, leave a review on Apple.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services. The statements and views expressed are not medical advice and are not meant to replace the advice of your medical doctor. This podcast, including Jen Heller and her guests, disclaims any responsibility and any adverse effects you may experience from the specific use of the information contained herein. The opinions of guests are their own and this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for the statements made by guests. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you have a medical condition, consult your licensed physician.