Mental health within the student athlete community is a battle that large numbers of students face. Having to balance both the stress of school, upcoming tests, projects, and keeping good grades along with the pressure of maintaining good performance within one’s sport, student athletes are more susceptible to mental health struggles. This greater level of stress is oftentimes placed upon an adolescent student who faces increased responsibilities with decreased amounts of time to fulfill those responsibilities.
Morgan’s Message strives to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and place higher emphasis on the treatment of mental health in athletics. To do so, Morgan’s Message visions to normalize conversations, to empower those who suffer in silence, and support those who feel alone.
This organization is based on the story of a young student athlete -Morgan Rogers- who suffered in silence and died by suicide at the age of 22. Morgan was a bright student, a driven athlete, a loyal friend, and a talented artist who always brought joy to the room and a smile to people’s faces. In 2014, Morgan accepted an offer to play for Duke University’s D1 Women’s Lacrosse team, the highest level of lacrosse offered. In January of 2017, Morgan suffered a career ending knee injury, in which she worked hard for twelve months to get back on the field. During her recovery, Morgan’s mental health plummeted and she lost her grip on her self worth. Filled with anxiety and stress, Morgan suffered in silence as she battled her mental health until July 11, 2019, when she died of suicide.
Morgan’s story is shared to provide a platform where student athletes aren’t afraid to share their stories and to be a catalyst for change within the mental healthcare systems. There is no shame in seeking either mental or physical healthcare and the stigma around mental health for student-athletes must be eliminated.
Within our own community, YLHS has its own chapter of Morgan’s Message promoting to build a community by and for athletes through peer to peer conversations as well as amplifying resources and expertise to strengthen student athlete mental health. This year’s board members of the club include: Eden Choi as the president, Jessica Lee as co president, Sophie Betts as secretary, Anabelle Li and Eva Thurston as treasurers, and Joyce Rutheford and Lili Sebestyn as Publicists. All board members are a part of YL Women’s Lacrosse and are excited to see through the visions of the club this upcoming 2024-2025 school year. The club president, Eden Choi (11) shares, “I am excited for this club this year to incorporate Morgan’s Message even further into our school and on our lacrosse team. This is my second year since creating this chapter at YLHS so I hope to double my efforts in supporting this organization”.
To conclude, there are a plethora of resources here at YLHS that can help with mental health struggles, whether that be a member of Morgan’s Message, the school counselors, or a friend that is willing to listen, never fight your battle alone in the dark. There is no shame in seeking mental or physical healthcare and remember that recovery is possible – take a shot at mental health!
