I view myself as a recovering perfectionist.
Growing up, I did it all. I got straight A’s in school, took Advanced Placement (AP classes), was involved in various clubs, all while sustaining a career as a highly competitive gymnast.
...Anxious brains are pesky. They jump around from thought to thought, sometimes so quickly we don’t even notice we are spiraling. They tell us we aren’t good enough, smart enough, or wealthy enough. They tell us that the worst-case scenario is around the corner.
...Don’t think about a pink elephant.
Whatever you do, don’t think about a pink elephant. Don’t picture a pink elephant in your mind. Just don’t do it.
Now, what are you thinking of? If I were to wager, I’d bet you’re thinking of a pink elephant.
Does this sound familiar? Do you often think about the things you’re trying to avoid? Don’t fall. Don’t be awkward. Stop worrying. You’d better not miss.
...National Eating Disorder Awareness Week occurs at the end of February each year. Appropriate awareness of eating disorders is so critical, partly because of widely accepted diet culture and fatphobia.
Eating disorders are also tricky gremlins. They show up slowly, under your awareness, until suddenly things feel completely out of control. One of the hallmark symptoms is a lack of awareness of the seriousness of the disorder—meaning that by the time you need help, you may already be at the bottom of a dark pit.
...College athletes have always had distinct mental health needs. Student-athletes are likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse–but they often do not seek help. This sets up a huge problem where athletes are expected to perform at a high level but mentally suffer in silence.
...For many, the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. They represent a time when we can reconnect with friends and family and update them on our lives. Unfortunately, this sets us up for awkward questions about what we have (or haven’t) accomplished during the year.
...We are entering another unprecedented holiday season. Once again, a rapidly spreading coronavirus is threatening to overwhelm the health system. We are more politically polarized than ever. Add in surmounting holiday stress, and there is bound to be tension during the holidays.
...The idea of getting what you want gets a bad reputation. Some people worry it’s selfish to ask for what you need. The reality is, other people can’t read minds. We need to ask for things in order to get our needs met. It isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.
...It is July and the Tokyo Olympics are in full swing. Many of us wait with electric anticipation for this event every four years. For many sports, including gymnastics, the Olympics is the pinnacle of athletic mastery.
...