DONOVAN WILLIAMS

"MENtal health is something I've continuously become more aware of within myself, many times as people we knew we help, but we don't know why. Why am I feeling so sad? Why don't I enjoy doing the things that used to make me happy? I've had my own battles with depression and anxiety, especially in being an athlete. You are so captivated and motivated to get to where you want to be in the future that you forgot to stop and appreciate all of the hard work you've put in to get to where you are. Being an athlete, you are always taught that there is always more. More effort to give, more plays to make, more achievements to earn, more wins to gain. Satisfaction is a luxury most athletes never have and it can easily become draining and tiresome as you feel stuck in a never ending battle between you and yourself. As a collegiate athlete, you have to sacrifice so much: time, friends, family, hobbies, so much that you feel like you don't even know who you are without your sport. You feel that pressure to make sure you have a good game or season and that is some weighty pressure for one person to handle while being in the spotlight and projecting a certain level of external positivity even if you are struggling internally. It's a very vicious cycle because all of this, combined, can negatively effect your performance which is ultimately the biggest thing you are concerned about. I encourage all athletes to find their person to talk to, whether it is family, friends, or a licensed professional. Getting these thoughts, feelings, and emotions out can help you have a clear mind and heart which ultimately will positively effect your on the court performance. This life looks like a lot of fun with the glamour and hype around it all, but just like anything else, it always has it's obstacles and barriers and there is never shame in admitting that you need help and/or working to make yourself better."