Breaking the Stigma-Mental Health and Student-Athletes

​Morgan’s Message  
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​In the past, the stigma behind mental health in student-athletes hid in the dark, not wanting to be addressed by many. Today, we have found a great light to shine on the topic and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Many of our Cardinal Lacrosse friends have taken a stand and joined the Morgan’s Message platform which “aims to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.

​Morgan’s Message was created in memory of Morgan Rodgers, “a tenacious individual ,she gave 100% of herself to every passion, project, and person she encountered.” Morgan was a former member of the Cardinal Lacrosse 2015 team, she went on to study and compete at Duke University. In 2017, leading up to her sophomore season, she suffered a season ending knee injury. Although she presented herself to her as “strong, happy, and resilient face” to those around her, she struggled with the feeling that she was not meeting her own expectations. “Her feelings of isolation from the team and stress caused by other relationship issues accelerated the return of anxiety and depression.” Morgan fought this battle of mental health in silence, keeping those who loved and cared about her most in the dark.
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Morgan’s life was cut short, she died by suicide  in July of 2019, Morgan was 22 years old. Her legacy lives on today;  “Her energy empowers those she has left behind to transform devastation into action. We elevate her story to provide a platform where others feel safe to share their own, be a catalyst for change within our mental healthcare systems, and foster a community for which tomorrow always exists. Morgan’s Message is clear: as an athlete, there is no shame in seeking physical healthcare-- the same should be true for mental healthcare. In order to close the gap, we must eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health together.”
 
We are proud to have a relationship with Morgan’s Message and support the mental health of all student-athletes. By visiting the Morgan’s Message webpage you can find more details about Morgan and her story, FAQs and information about the Morgans Message Education Program. You will also find the podcast “The Mental Matchup,” where the conversation on mental health is educational, personal and provides a safe space for these difficult topics and emotions. The co-host of The Mental Matchup is our very own; Kat Zempolich, Head coach of Cardinal Lacrosse 2023 team!
 
You can find more information about Morgan’s Message here; Morgan's Message.

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