Sports
“What are you training for?” someone at the gym asked Dr. Davis at the gym one day, and her response was “LIFE!” Dr. Davis, alongside other panelists and discussion leaders, shared her own athletic and mental health journey at Loud and Clear, SI’s very first Mental Health Summit.
With student-athletes making up nearly 70% of the student body, the Sports Medicine Club thought it was about time to start their own discussion, focusing on the variety of ways that mental health impacts athletes. Our athletic trainers, Josh Pendleton and Kayla Gradillas, and the presidents of the Sports Medicine Club Nabie Bertrand and Katrina Strain, organized this important event; Dr. Tiana Woolridge led the discussion alongside three other panelists: Dr. Tasia Davis, Myles Holmes, and Elisa Mann.
Each of the speakers opened up to the audience, sharing their athletic journey and the mental health struggles that they overcame to be where they are today.
Mental health awareness only started to grow with the last few years. Struggles with mental health can appear in a variety of ways which is why it is important to reach out for help when you think you are taking on too much or are feeling overwhelmed.
Dr. Woolridge’s other key takeaways from this summit include the topic of common mental health challenges. These include lack of sleep, coping with failure, and intense pressure. Woolridge also mentioned the mental health triangle, which demonstrates how athletes can be susceptible to the pressures of sports, society, and stress.
Caroline McFadden '24 is a Vol. 71 Contributing Editor