Ups and Downs: Drew Petersen on navigating the mountains and valleys of mental health through skiing

Behind closed doors, professional skier Drew Petersen has been living a much different reality than ski films, magazine covers, and Instagram likes have shown. Following a near-death accident in the mountains, Petersen went into a dark tailspin of mental health struggles. In the following years, he has privately navigated an arduous journey of PTSD, bipolar disorder, brain injury rehabilitation, and suicidal thoughts. Told through the lens of ski touring, “Ups and Downs” is an introspective look at the mountains and valleys along his path, and how his mental health journey is ultimately lifelong-both from well before Petersen’s accident and for the rest of his life moving forward. His story is truly one of finding the light, healing both in the mountains and in therapy, and how giving voice to his struggles ultimately saved him.
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, you can find resources at: www.drew-peters...
Credits:
Starring: Drew Petersen
In association with Sweetgrass Productions
Directed by Michael James Brown and Drew Petersen
Produced by Drew Petersen
Cinematography by Michael James Brown, Bobby Jahrig, and Adam Clark
Edited by Michael James Brown and Margaret King
Color by Theo Muse
Sound by Avery Sandack
Music:
The Dead Tongues - “Road to Heaven”
Tom Rosenthal - “To You Alone”
Gregory Alan Isakov - “San Luis”
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#TimeToPlay

[@SalomonTV]

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, you can find resources at: drew-petersen.com/upsanddowns

[@juanigavalda1622]

Ermosa istoria la comprato

[@samuelperez7907]

@@juanigavalda1622 en at ut tazz sz x

[@DrewPetersenSki]

Thank you all for watching and for the love! I'm inspired to see the hope for cultural change in this moment and in this response. Much love.

[@vasthiduran9890]

Great hugs to you!

[@vicentefontestad6083]

Gracias a ti por ser tan valiente y compartir tu experiencia en este precioso documental. Con esto podrás ayudar a mucha gente Un abrazo enorme desde España.

[@AndreasZapletal]

So powerful. Thank you for sharing Drew.

[@simonst-germain3566]

Thanks for sharing your story Drew. I have personally struggled all of my adult life with chronic depression and while our journey is different I can relate 100% with you. One of the hardest part is that feeling of being completely alone in our struggle. That's why it's crucial to talk about it and to share our story with others. What you did here is very courageous. Thanks for sharing brother. I am sure that a lot of people might not write any comment or reach out to you but your initiative will be beneficial to many people. Cheers my friend.

[@willhurrey]

Thanks for this drew. Resonated with me a lot as a skier with BPD

[@ericvikre726]

As someone who battles depression, suicidal thoughts, and high anxiety, this one hit home for me and I cannot thank Drew & Salomon enough for showcasing this. Everyone has their issues, some severe and some not so much, but we all go through them. And knowing that you’re not alone is a huge breakthrough to helping yourself. Love will heal all; love for yourself and love for your community

[@GokuRunnerV0]

Don’t give up, keep showing up, some days you will be better but others don’t. Be with your support, ask for help. And don’t worry you can leave depression free. Keep loving you, you are great.

[@zach6138]

I have always had so much respect for Drew as a skier, but I have even more respect for him as a person after sharing this message - kudos for the courage and vulnerability. You're helping more men than you likely realize, Drew. Thanks to Salomon for producing this video as well.

[@Craigs-sn3pn]

This is such an honest account of Drew’s experience with bipolar. As a therapist, I’m so grateful to see Salomon doing their part to open up the conversation so more can benefit from receiving the support they deserve. Thanks you Drew for sharing the strength of your vulnerability.

[@zopi9]

Beautiful. Glad you're still here. Thank you.

[@patrickredalen1683]

This is the first comment I have ever sent after watching thousands of KZbin videos. That was one of the most powerful and bravest things I have ever seen. Thank you!

[@SalomonTV]

Hey Patrick, thank you for the comment and the support! We are glad you found the film and Dre's story inspirational.

[@lizkeyser1540]

So real, so raw, so honest. Beautiful. Thank you.

[@stephenwalker9313]

Very powerful short film. Excellent photography, as usual. Lot of courage to be that open and honest.

[@MrMichaelDodd]

Thank you for this Drew. I think your painfully candid account gives you the credibility with those who need this type of help the most. Your message of hope, the value of opening up and benefits of seeking therapy will likely save lives. I pray that you never forget that.

[@angelfirebicycleshuttles5686]

As someone who also has struggled with depression and OCD throughout much of his adult life I thank you for this film. I ski patrol and we often forget that while we respond to the physical damage and injuries, we forget that the metal and internal are there and need as Mac or more response, on the long-term. This film is needed and well received. Thank You, Drew, thank you indeed.

[@joshuassutton]

Thank you so much. I've been dealing with panic attacks and anxiety for over a decade. I've worked on it over the years, but never enough. I really needed to see this.

[@kookbook7184]

i just wanted to say thank you. i cried while watching this, it had my complete attention and it made me feel seen and understood. I understand way too deeply. As someone who at the moment, cannot see the happy colours of the light of day, this gave me hope that truly, in the core of my being, I can change. Thank you.

[@DP-sh3nk]

Fudge!! Thank you for this. I wish you so much peace and love and strength Never wanted to give a stranger a hug so badly

[@jeannejessup7203]

Our truth is so powerful when said out loud. Thank you for this.

[@triciapugliese932]

It has been 15+ years since I faced depression. This movie touched me in so many ways and I will be sharing it with everyone I can. Thank you so much for your rawness and caring. For me, I found that I was tallest when I fell on my knees and let people help me stand back up.

[@billburns9188]

Thanks for being brave enough to share your story Drew

[@oddburton]

One of the most gut-wrenchingly powerful, important, courageous, and touching stories I've ever seen. You are an incredible ambassador for humanity ... and skiing. Keep fighting Drew, the world needs you.

[@vzlaeli]

This is so important. As somebody that struggles with anxiety and depression this resonates with me since the mountains have saved my life but sometimes even if you are witnessing the most beautiful sunset or sunrise, the chemistry of your brain is constantly fighting you and putting a wool over your eyes. So yes, talking about it is life changing. Thank you Drew,

[@ericlarson1701]

I work with folks who live with trauma, mental health challenges, and/or neurodiversity. I see you, man. And thank you for putting this work out there. 💜🙏🏼

[@gregreynolds391]

Very brave to open up to the world like this Drew Petersen, mental health is a mysterious thing and I suspect a lot of folks suffer through this daily without knowing where to turn. I guarantee your story will help some folks reach out for help.

[@SalomonTV]

🙏

[@HKOUTDOORS205]

i have been battling ptsd and depression for a while, hearing you open up and be this vulnerable is inspiring to me. thank you for talking about this, it makes me feel less alone

[@laurairmen7227]

Thank you for having the courage to share your moving story, Drew. It makes such a difference and really helps to spread awareness about support and validate those of us with mental health issues.

[@gordmaddison4092]

Drew. You make the world a better place for being in it. You touch so many and give them courage and hope. Thank you. You are appreciated. You are needed.

[@terimcgann2408]

Thank you for sharing your story! You are a very brave man facing your pain. We never know the path that another soul is walking. May telling your truth bring you strength and healing, and may those hearing it be enlightened to find empathy for others or seek support and healing for themselves. Peace.

[@daytripper8731]

Same feelings as a child (and adult). You and I grew up in the same place. Skiing the same slopes and feeling the same feelings. Your pain is important. Because you are helping me and so many others to know we are not alone. Thank you for being you and sharing.

[@DrHappyTV]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. It ain’t weak to speak! Together, by being honest and vulnerable, we can smash the stigma 🙏🏻

[@nicholashudson-swogger3986]

Drew, it takes an enormous amount of courage and bravery to ask for help, but then to share your story with such raw vulnerability is simply stunning. As a mental health professional I can tell you that sharing your story as you have done will have an impact in ways big and small. Thank you.

[@army_of_believers]

thanks for sharing brother , this is absolutely necessary for all us to share our thoughts or get our feelings out from our heart. we all need this at a point in our life, keep making this world a happy place.

[@tavakessler]

This is so raw and expressive about a topic that isn't well-discussed in society or the outdoor community. Thank you for sharing these important stories.

[@randallgd]

Mad props to you Drew for being this real with your journey. Many of us in extreme sports have similar experiences. Thank you for sharing your evolution with us. Guaranteed it is going to help someone through a dark time.

[@jimlineberger6591]

wow ! very brave Drew , some of us have dealt with this for a lifetime , crippled unable to go on ski trips with my best friends because i couldn't leave the house or pull a t shirt over my head because of this dreadful fear , i'm 71 now and still fear going to sleep or thinking of the past...take care i wish for you a calmness that will crush fear and free you ,ski the deep...jim

[@adamsherman6721]

This is both beautiful and important. Thank you to everyone who made this short film and gave voice to this subject.

[@sotajoe72]

Thank you, thank you, thank YOU Drew for having the strength to be this vulnerable. I truly hope your work will spark a flame into having these diffcult conversations around mental health; especially in the outdoor communities! Stoked you have the support you need to continue on your life journey. Much love!

[@rolandstockham1905]

Thank you for this, I teach courses in mental health for trainee nurses and will use this. Brilliant example of how you can look like superman on the outside and be breaking on the inside and so amazingly relevant for many nurses!!!

[@pyxiesnowskants879]

Thank you for producing this and for Drew being brave enough to put his story out there. It WILL save lives.

[@eloisiebenhaar906]

This video really touched me, I'm an 18 year old young man, who's been depressed for a while and it really scares me, for now I don't have suicidal thoughts but I'm just losing all purposes in life. I'm just here wandering in my thoughts from waking up to sleeping, this feeling of being in doubt all the time is affecting me physically and mentally I feel weak and sick like no one can help me and I could only rely on fate... Thank you for sharing this, maybe it will have made me understand that I am not alone and that it is not my fault and above all that we can go better... I hope this so deeply

[@gordmaddison4092]

Please reach out for help.

[@tedforsstromjacobsson4160]

It's definitely not your fault and you are not alone. What you're describing is so incredibly familiar to me and it can get a lot better when you get help. Took me too long, hope it doesn't have to for you.

[@SalomonTV]

Hi Eloi, trust us you are not alone. We want to see you thrive and get better you can find resources at drew-petersen.com/upsanddowns 🙏

[@timhardman4764]

Thanks for the gift of sharing your story. It will help so many people to take that difficult step of finding some help to make their life better and it will help so many people who are not suffering, to understand those who do suffer with mental illness. I'm glad you've found your way to navigate the downs. I'm glad you've made the point there is no summit in this journey where everything is now fixed, but there is a formerly unseen path that is so much easier to walk than the tortuous and lonely route of the past. Thanks for doing what took more courage than any physical challenge.

[@Jay_Rad]

Thank you so much for using your platform to tell this story. This one hit really close to home for me and this is something that needs to be talked about more

[@SalomonTV]

Glad to hear the film resonated with you. And agreed, this topic needs to be talked about more.

[@JTobiason]

Thank you for this beautiful and increidlbly honest film. This is important work folks.

[@zmums]

Thank you for making your experience public. This is such a difficult conversation to have especially in this space.

[@AndreAdda97]

The message is huge here. I'm not in the same situation of Drew and some over folks around, but i have my shit too, as everybody does, but the most important thing is to remember that we are not alone. Knowing that helps a lot, and i guarantee you that is a huge call for people who knows someone in their life in similar situations. Thank you Drew and Salomon for putting this huge message on a public place and be proud for the courage you put to make this kind of content. This is true strength.

[@anthonyplzr]

Glad everyone is here today. To all ones who are not and didn’t make it, we love you. This is a hard subject to talk about but the more it is talked about the better. I really appreciated this video. I’ve struggled with depression and suicidal idealization for a long time. Watching this and listing to the out of bounds podcast made me really check in on myself and my loved ones. Can’t Say it enough I’m truly glad we chose to stay and take it a day at a time.

[@THEMasteSnah]

Being a guy with Bipolar disorder and OCD, i see myself a lot trough Petersen. It was really touching and moving to ear him talk going through the same issues of silence and shame and suicidal toughts, He is right, talking about your deep mental issues is the KEY for healing them. I'm about to go skiing and this video made my day. Thank you for sharing Drew Petersen you are a courage man!

[@manonfullum4771]

Happy you are here now. Thank you Drew for this message of hope, of love. You are not alone anymore. I am very touched by your story. We are not our profession, our health situation, we are multidimensional. I will share this film. Have a wonderful day. Namasté!

[@Julianhulls]

This is a beautiful and brave film. Thanks Drew and Salomon. Making time to be and talk (and ski) w good friends is personally very helpful for keeping the black dog at bay. Drew, if you make it to NZ, would be pleased to share a story and ski a line or two.

[@selfcoachedrunner]

Bravo to Drew and Salomon for sharing this journey! We cannot and should not go on the journey alone. 👏

[@catlevasseur9816]

wow, this was so intense, authentic and honest words. You are an amazing human. Being able to share your darkest moments like that is truly an ability that will help not only you but everyone around you go through life feeling less alone and that is one of the most important key to healing and finding joy and peace again. Thank you so much for sharing with the Salomon community and thank you Salomon for putting that type of content out there. Peace.

[@hazenw]

Absolutely incredible Drew, the strength it took to share that... And thank you for sharing. Skiing's pretty darn good too ;)

[@insightphysicaltherapyandw7001]

Incredible film. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@tomasr64]

Excellent film and thank you for making it. Thank you Mountain Gazette for being involved as well.

[@poliuuuc]

Magical disturbing yet honest video of a great skier and suffering person. Dont be ashamed of acknowledging your “weaknesses” tha drew you are so inspiring. Still struggling how to introduce your experience to my own 2 boys. Their grand dad left us as i was 4.

[@kajzackrisson3569]

Gripping and strong, I cheer for you buddy!!!

[@willmarsh2916]

Thank you❤️

[@chadwomack6189]

5:22 “No one but me knows or sees the version of myself when I was thinking about killing myself as a little kid, and, like nobody sees the weight that that holds for an entire lifetime.” Spot on documentary. Much appreciated.

[@felipeacosta8099]

This is so beautiful. I just came out of a bad 2-month slump and I was so scared to be misunderstood, silenced, left alone… until luckily an acquaintance reached out to me and I could speak calmly with him because he’s also had his deal of problems in life. Since that day I feel so fortunate and now I want to start a new life where I can, not only speak with people for my health, but be that person that can reach out to others, be trusted and help. Basically return the favour. I feel it is so beautiful to stand at both sides of the process of talking of these problems: when you can speak trustfully and feel understood, and when you can offer that hand.

[@Sean_Court]

Wow, thank you for sharing your journey Drew...this was incredibly powerful. Mental heath is something that hits close to home, as I'm sure is the truth for so many. Thank you Salomon for promoting awareness, and doing your part to encourage conversation.

[@fabianvzwol1]

Drew, thank you for sharing. As you said, the power of sharing shouldn't be underestimated. Mad respect for talking about it in this film!

[@DavidHall_Pickleball]

Thank you for sharing your story, Drew. It will help many others find peace in time knowing that there are routes to a healthier mind. Nobody needs to feel like they are alone.

[@poliuuuc]

Magical disturbing yet honest video of a great suffering person. Dont be ashamed of acknowledging your “weaknesses” tha drew. I know what you are talking about. I wish more people would have gone this painful path. Thank you drew

[@MikeMikeSkiBoardBike]

Lots of common feels here for me. Seeing progress and successful journeys continuing is a big inspiration. All the best on your path ahead Drew...

[@chandlerhoffmann389]

Kudos to Drew Petersen and Salomon for such an open and honest interview and video.

[@matthewprimatello6644]

The most true view on mental health and all the struggles that go along with it. Drew took one of the bigger steps in opening up the deeper conversation with mental health. The stigmas must be broken down. Much love

[@jtdogsmile]

So much courage in this film. Thank You

[@kathykambic6578]

thank you for this. for explaining the pain and the therapy. i see you and i feel like i have been seen too.

[@cameronbell8563]

Incredible. Thanks for sharing Drew.

[@nitantpandey882]

so relieving to know that you can choose what part of your “identity” you want to carry forward :)

[@lukasblum8051]

Self-esteem... I could sing this song together with you... thanks for this open and fearless video.

[@stevesui291]

Wow! That is courage. All the best for you, Dew!

[@michaellavell2804]

Great work, keep it up!!! Love the testimony

[@juannele1339]

Brave and generous comittment. Thanks for sharing. Keep skiing! from bro to pro.

[@durangodevo]

Thanks for the real share Drew, and the courage it took. this will save lives!

[@austingallant3810]

So inspiring and important for someone to speak so truthfully vulnerably. Especially in an industry with so much glamour and idealizing, it's easy to forget that everyone on the screen is still human.

[@user-wd7tq3iz6j]

You touched so many people life without even knowing them, and with this video you did even more, mental health it’s more important then we know! Awesome job Drew, you are truly a badass!!! Keep going!

[@DanielNoree]

Thank you Drew for telling your story!

[@nachete9752]

So much respect for telling us your story! Wish you all the best!

[@ScottMoyse]

Daaaamn... Thanks Drew & Salomon! I'm speechless.

[@ASHA1995GCCT]

Thanks for sharing. I can relate and understand. We should all be brave enough to talk about these things. Thanks for showing the way.

[@cwiklolo]

An important story to tell, thanks for sharing.

[@albaniancitizen]

this made me tear up. dealing with mental health is more important than you might think. cudos to you for putting something so important in the spotlight. thanks a lot drew ♥

[@plankface]

Drew! I admire you for fighting for your life and showing me and others that clarity is possible. 💛💛💛

[@DaveSearle]

Nice one drew! Thanks for sharing that journey. Makes a refreshing change to hear about a struggle like this from a paid athlete. All the best buddy!

[@SergioMartinez-is2cf]

💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻Tremenda valentía al contar su vida. Cuánto tenemos que mejorar como sociedad para hacer visible lo que realmente nos pasa.

[@mikkupcakeful]

Thank you for your courage and sharing your story.

[@suefeldmann963]

Well Done, Drew. Keep spreading the word! You are not alone

[@tedforsstromjacobsson4160]

So glad that you told this story, for you and for all of us. I wish something like this would have come to me when I was a lot younger. Thanks for being you and for letting the world know that there are many paths, struggles on those paths, and ways to navigate even in the dark times.

[@davidrahbany]

So brave and touching to share these thoughts. I'm certain it will help many people who can relate to these dark emotions - as I can. Thanks for putting this out there. Very inspirational and important.

[@chrisamy613]

Never not share your story! Sharing it takes away its power over you. As someone who has battled with mental health and head trauma I’ve been there. I threw alcoholism in there too in an attempt to I’ll myself slowly. You have travelled a parallel path; in that seeking help and actually doing it is the transition. It’s a daily management plan and your plan seems solid. Well done on this video and always share your story. You never know who and how it can help.

[@andythompson3767]

much love and respect to you. ❤ keep plodding that path with your honesty and integrety and all will be well 🙌

[@mirandalewis1960]

Thank you for sharing your story ❤️❤️❤️

[@juwjut]

Thank you so much for sharing, you are not alone !

[@toddwinslow9974]

Thanks Drew for opening up and sharing.

[@DrDavidBarkers]

Really powerful and informative. Thank you.

[@SalomonTV]

Glad it was helpful! 🙏

[@raymondpitts8011]

Thanks for sharing your story Drew

[@soccerjockey]

Phenomenal film. Thank you so much for sharing

[@SalomonTV]

Hey Josiah. glad you enjoyed it

[@pantonson]

Thank you Drew for sharing your story. So much courage.

[@danielmanzano4385]

Gracias por hacer vídeos tan reales, tan vitales y tan necesarios para poder vivir la vida

[@barbamatteo]

Great content, we all think about pro like strongest in every way, but they are humans, like us. Share knowledge of mental health problems is a must. Thanks Salomon. I'm hiding for years, it's an endless battle.

[@jshlke2437]

Drew, thank you for telling this!

[@claudiag.3054]

I needed to hear this. Thank you for sharing.