In a time and a society where we focus on mental health more than anything, we often need reminders that it is okay to not be okay.
As teenagers and young adults, we are often told how easy we have it. While at times I agree with that statement, other times it is dead wrong. Now more than ever, teenagers and young adults are under immense pressure and stress.
If there is one thing you can take away from this column, it is that talking to others can often be the best option because so many others are often facing similar struggles, and there are so many people out there that are willing to listen and help you.
One of the hardest transitions I have ever had to make was coming to terms with the fact that I am no longer an athlete at the competitive level.
Since I could walk, sports have always been a part of my life. Sports have brought me a lifetime full of memories and friendships with those that I now consider family. I played baseball, basketball and golf growing up. I consumed every second of “SportsCenter” that I could as a kid.
For something that gave me everything, I never knew it could provide a side to myself that I never knew.
Golf is a sport that I grabbed onto instantly in high school and started to take very seriously. I loved the sport because at the end of the day, there was no one else to blame but myself for my performance. Little did I know how true that statement would become for me.
I worked very hard throughout my four years of high school and earned the opportunity to play college golf at Illinois Central College (ICC). To put a button on that story, I failed multiple times at what I thought was my only opportunity to succeed in life. I failed to win and failed to move on in my athletic career, which is something that messed with my head.
I felt like a disappointment to my family, coaches and most importantly myself. It was something that I had worked so hard for, and I fell short. To me, there is no worse feeling than letting down those that care about and support you.
The thought of failure and disappointment pushed me to a state where I had no motivation for anything. I started to rethink everything about my life and regret so many of my choices. It wasn’t until many conversations with those closest to me that I found a new meaning to life.
While this is meant to share my story and show that everyone is fighting a battle, it is also a thank you to my friends and family that helped me through my toughest times.
God did not put me on this earth solely to play sports, and it took me the longest time to realize that. I struggled mentally and felt like a failure, but what kept me going was the thought of the sun coming up tomorrow and each day is a chance to change the world.
I may not change the world, but if I am here to help one person every day, then that is good enough for me. It’s perfectly okay to admit when you do not feel okay. Just know that there is always someone out there who is willing to listen and help you.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of stress and anxiety in people of all ages, with the changes in protocols for health and safety, changes in school and changes in our social lives. There is a lot to worry about and not enough people are talking about mental health.
Life is not perfect and I know that, but I know that it is a better place with all of us here. If you are in a bad place mentally, reach out and seek help because it truly does wonders.
Here at Bradley, there is a counseling center if you feel that you need help or if you know of someone that needs help. Please reach out to them if you feel that you need assistance.
