Mental Health Stories - Athletes for Hope

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Mental Health Stories

Whole Being Athlete & Storytelling

Storytelling is a key pillar of AFH’s Whole Being Athlete mental health program. By amplifying the personal mental health stories of athletes, we aim to break down stigmas and create open conversations around mental health for all ages, with a focus on youth and young adults. Through these powerful narratives, we’re inspiring the next generation to prioritize their mental well-being and seek support when needed, all while fostering a more compassionate and informed culture around mental health.

Out of the Dark Short Documentary Series with Well Beings

AFH is proud to co-produce a new season of the powerful documentary series Out of the Dark in collaboration with WETA’s (PBS’ national station) youth mental health initiative, Well Beings. This season focuses on athlete stories, showcasing athletes from diverse backgrounds as they face the toughest challenges of their lives and discover strength they never knew they had. To learn more about Well Beings and to view AFH Whole Being Athlete Ambassador Cal Calamia’s film’s trailer, visit their website. You can watch AFH Whole Being Athlete Ambassador Jaleen Robert’s film below!

Whole Being Athlete Talks

Whole Being Athlete Talks

Since May 2024, we have been working alongside members of the Athlete Mental Health Alliance to launch Whole Being Athlete Talks. Hosted by Kaitlyn Lyle, Blake Palmquist and Jenny Sichel each episode feature candid conversations with athletes and mental health advocates who are dedicated to breaking down the stigma around mental health—both in sports and beyond. The goal? To spark meaningful conversations and create a supportive community where mental health is prioritized and understood.

Athlete Mental Health Spotlights

Professional baseball player David Kubiak shares how stepping away from sport to focus on his mental health allowed him to come back stronger.

Read his story here.

Photo of David Kubiak pitching
Headshot of Riley Courtney with burnt orange background

University of Texas swimmer Riley Courtney shares how stepping out of her comfort zone to rely on her support system helped save her life.

Read her story here.

The University of Maine D1 swimmer Isabelle Irani shares how finding her values outside of sport broke her comparison cycle.

Read her story here.

Photo of Isabelle Irani swimming
Image of Casey Zeller in USA track & field t-shirt posing jumping over a hurdle

Former USA track and field athlete turned stunt performer, Casey Zeller, reflects on her journey of self-discovery after sports.

Read her story here.

Former collegiate football player Remy Bikowski shares his mental health journey as a student-athlete.

Read his story here.

Whole Being Athlete Ambassador and assistant basketball coach at the University of Virginia at Wise Taylor Miller shares her journey of reclaiming her identity after sports.

Read her story here.

Whole Being Athlete Ambassador and former Rutgers swimmer, Cat Salladin, shares her story of how the weight of success impacted her mental health.

Read her story here.

Professional women’s hockey player, Terra Lanteigne reveals why she stepped away from hockey, why she returned, and what she learned about her own mental health along the way.

Read her story here.

In our Whole Being Athlete Series, retired collegiate soccer player Mattis Koch shares how to overcome and deal with mental health issues during a career-ending injury.

Read his story here.

photo of Mattis Koch
Mariah Parsons standing in front of the Notre Dame logo and raising her arms

In our Whole Being Athlete Series, former collegiate rower Mariah Parsons shares why opening up to a sports psychologist can have a positive effect on your mental health.

Read her story here.

In our Whole Being Athlete Series, former NWSL player Gabby Sieler Kessler encourages others to normalize medication, therapy, and mental health.

Read her story here.

Gabby Seiler smiling and hugging her dog.
Photo of Natasha Hastings sitting while resting one elbow on her knee and smiling

In our Whole Being Athlete Series, Olympic Track & Field Sprinter Natasha Hastings shares why mental health matters to her.

Read her story here.