Responses Page
This page contains the responses submitted through the form where individuals share their personal mental health experiences
Participants were asked to share: what happened, what they learned, and what they want others to know
“I was going through a period where I was unmotivated, insecure about my friendships, myself, and my family. I felt so alone, and I thought it was never going to end. Eventually, I learned that things like self care and lifting others up helped me to gain a positive mindset and climb out of the depressive hole I had dug. In the process I made amazing friendships, and talking through what was going on helped me feel not so alone. I learned that even though you feel like nobody else could understand, that doesn’t mean that people won’t try to. It always made me feel so good when someone would just listen, because it showed that they cared. I take this experience as a reminder that no matter how hard things get, I have the ability to change my course, and friends who truly care.”
“I’ve struggled with comparing myself to others, not feeling confident in myself, and perfectionism through sports, school, and family pressure. What really helped me was talking to a therapist and exercising. It is also just important to accept that you are who you are and comparing yourself to others isn’t going to change that. Know that you are not alone because I’ve realized how many of my friends have dealt with the same things as me”
“Balancing competitive sports with life as a teenage athlete is overlooked by many and the toll it can take on your wellbeing. It is important to know who you are outside of your sport and not let it define who you are.”