By SOPHIA SIRUCHEK
Many people are unaware of the fact that so many teenagers are struggling with a variety of mental health issues. In today's society filled with various social media apps right at their fingertips, teenagers are inundated with unrealistic standards that are impossible to achieve.
Research shows that “Among children between the ages of 15 and 19, suicide is the second leading cause of death, and the leading cause of death for 14- to 15-year-old children” (Boston Children’s Hospital).This startling statistic makes it crucial that something is being done to make a change.
Morgan's Message is a powerful movement dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, especially within the athletic community. Founded in memory of Morgan Rodgers, a talented student-athlete whose life was tragically cut short, the organization aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
By providing resources, education, and support, Morgan's Message strives to create an environment where athletes feel empowered to seek help and prioritize their mental well-being. “Morgan’s Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics” (morgansmessage.org).
On morgansmessage.org it states: “Morgan was a beloved daughter, sister, friend and teammate. A tenacious individual, she gave 100 percent of herself to every passion, project and person she encountered.”
Sadly, in January 2017, just before the beginning of her sophomore season, Morgan endured a dream-shattering knee injury. She spent the next 12 months determined to return to the field, undergoing surgery and dedicating herself to an intensive rehabilitation program. Morgan struggled with this abrupt change because she felt she had lost control within her life. As a result, Morgan’s self-worth plummeted. Her feelings of isolation from the team and stress caused by other relationship issues accelerated the return of anxiety and depression.
Unfortunately, Morgan chose to suffer in silence, keeping family and friends in the dark as she battled her mental health. As a result, Morgan died by suicide July 11, 2019 at the age of 22. Although her life was cut way too short, Morgan’s legacy of unconditional love remains. Her energy empowers those she has left behind to transform devastation into action.
At WHS, a new club started this year honoring Morgan's message. The girls lacrosse program also has many ambassadors of Morgan's Message as they feel this is a very important message that needs to be known. Sophia Zupancic, a junior at WHS is the one who started this club; she is also an ambassador for Morgan's Message. She is very passionate about this message and wanted our school to be involved. “I wanted to bring Morgan’s Message into our school environment because I think it is important for athletes to feel comfortable talking about their mental health.”
Julia Seawald, another junior at WHS, is also an ambassador and she expressed the following: “As an athlete who struggles with mental illness, it is important to let others know that they are not alone. Promoting athletes' mental health betters not only the athlete but their community.” This message is so important for the athletes who feel as though they cannot talk to anyone about their mental health or what they may be going through, so they know they can get help if they need it.
Maya Hopper, a sophomore at WHS is another ambassador for this message and she expressed, “I wanted to become a Morgan’s Message ambassador because being an athlete who plays on a club team and school team, I have seen the mental struggles players have gone through while playing the game. I think the Morgan’s Message club is important because it allows all athletes to find a balance between their sport and mental health while also advocating for both.”
This club is such an amazing program started at WHS to help other athletes at the school who need to know that they are not alone and there are people they can talk to. Morgan's Message is very important for athletes at any age to realize that they are humans first and athletes second. It's more important to take care of your mental health than your performance in a game.
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