Mental health is just as important as physical health, and our athletes are sharing why.
“I joined Morgan’s Message because I struggled with my mental health within field hockey, and I wanted to help others who were going through the same thing. To me, Morgan’s Message is all about reducing the stigma around mental health and creating a community where people who have dealt with mental health issues can feel safe and supported. Morgan’s Message has been a vital piece of my field hockey experience as I ran the club at my high school and raised over $1600 in donations towards the Morgan’s Message organization.
Something I wish people knew about mental health and sports is that a LOT more people struggle with their mental health than you might think. Often, when we deal with mental health issues, we feel very ostracized and alone, when in reality, there are so many people who have dealt with similar things to us. Know that you are NEVER alone and that so many people are here to support you!!”
Ainsley Pearce, OBO Ambassador/Morgan’s Message Advocate
“Being part of Morgan’s Message means I’m helping to create space for honest conversations. It gives me a chance to advocate for myself and others, and to remind my teammates that it’s okay not to be okay.”
Emily Risser, Gryphon Ambassador/Morgan’s Message Advocate
“I joined Morgan’s Message because it is a club full of support that recognizes the challenges that come with managing athletics, school, and social life, provides strategies to strengthen mental health, and is an open space to share how you feel with one another. Morgan’s Message means a lot to me because it provides a connection with others about challenging topics, while also being a fun group to be a part of. They make it their goal for everyone to be noticed, and give different ideas on how to better manage and learn about mental health and why it is important.”
Avery Alleva, OBO Ambassador/Morgan’s Message Advocate
“What I wish people knew about mental health and sports is that taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical health. Sports can get tough at times, so it’s normal to struggle mentally, but what’s important is to seek help and know things can and will get better!”
Gabby Bruce, Gryphon Ambassador
“I recently got involved in Villanova athletics, Every Mind Matters mental health awareness club, which I will be the treasurer of next year. I have learned through college athletics that mental health is just as important as the physical aspects of playing a sport. I have worked on resetting my mind and being less hard on myself while being in college. One thing that I do is make sure I give myself time in my day to be with friends and not think about homework or school to give myself a break.”
“Being a student-athlete, I am around other people almost constantly, which can sometimes be a little draining. In order to rest and recharge, I find it really helpful to just take some time for myself. Most of the time, this is just spending a few hours alone in my room, but activities like getting dinner are also super useful. I take this time to reflect and check in with reality and how I really feel. This ensures I am at my best when I see my friends and teammates.”
For more information and how you can get involved, check out Morgan’s Message.
