A few years ago, Summit County resident Drew Petersen was struggling deeply with his mental health. Dealing with suicidal thoughts that would constantly echo in his head, Petersen looked for a goal to connect with that would get him through what he was facing and go the next day.
Petersen, who grew up in Summit County with a deep love of the outdoors, set a goal to run 100 miles with the idea that if he could fight through the mental health struggles he was facing, then he could finish any athletic achievement.
With that in mind, Petersen who is a professional skier sponsored by Salomon began training for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100. While logging base miles before the race, Petersen also skied lines through the peaks surrounding Leadville, getting to know the Sawatch Mountain Range before running the challenging course.
In an emotional and physical journey, Petersen successfully completed the 100-mile race in August 2022. Petersen ran across the finish line at the historic corner of 6th Street and Harrison Avenue in a time of 24 hours, 32 minutes and 3 seconds to place the 67th. overall and 11th in his division.
Beyond helping him overcome his mental health struggles, the months leading up to that moment and the race itself also serve as the subject of Petersen’s newest film, “Feel It All,” which will premiere at Summit High School on Wednesday, May. 29.
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Drew Petersen aims to break the stigma around mental health
“I knew very early on in my journey that I wanted to talk about mental health and suicide and use my story to help others,” Petersen said. “At the beginning of the pandemic, I was back here in Summit when, in the span of 16 days, two Summit High School students died by suicide and two others attempted and survived. I saw myself in those children and saw what could so easily have been my outcome. I knew I had to go to a place where I could help them.”
Since “Ups and Downs” came out, Petersen has been on a mission to start a cultural wave that is open to talking about mental health and suicide prevention. After traveling across the US speaking about his cause, Petersen worked alongside fellow Colorado-based creator Jesse Levine and Tyler Boyd and began working tirelessly on the vision of “Feel It All”.
“After two years of working on this film, I’m over the moon to share it with the world,” said Petersen. “The whole mission of this film is to help people and influence the culture around mental health and suicide.”
The film also delves deep into Petersen’s evolution over the years.
Drew Petersen aims to break the stigma around mental health
“Bringing that purpose and passion home is what I’m most excited about,” Petersen said.. I can save many lives, and I do save many lives.
Petersen hopes to be the role model he would have looked up to as a young skier dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts.
“I idolized pro skiers,” Petersen said. “There was a real lack of role models, especially male role models who displayed mental intelligence and masculine vulnerability. It probably would have saved me two decades of pain.”
“I have the privilege and the responsibility to be that for other people, especially children,” Petersen said. “It’s a lot to bear, but it’s an honor and an opportunity. It is not a burden. Knowing the difference is very important. I believe that to the core.”
Summit County’s Drew Petersen runs through a trail while filming his upcoming movie, “Feel It All.” The skiing and running film works to break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
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Doors to the film screening will open at 6pm with the show starting at 7pm\
“The goal is to reach that far and wide,” Petersen said.
To RSVP for Wednesday’s “Feel it All” show, visit EventBrite.com. For more information on “Feel It All” visit Drew-Petersen.com.
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