Athletes and Mental Health: The Hidden Opponent | Victoria Garrick | TEDxUSC

[@Coops5252]

I saw a sign in a locker room at a wrestling tournament that read “Nobody cares; work harder.” And though I saw the good intention in that, I thought it was a dangerous message as well.

[@МакарошкиСПюрешкой]

Once i saw a sign in the stadium that said: "Only the best will become champions, everyone else will become healthy." It was just after a 400m race which i ran with a very serious injiry and lost. I definitly wasn't champion, but i wasn't healthy either and it just killed me.

[@heberthdossantosviana7724]

Depends on how you take it. Water, fire: good or bad? Dangerous? Depends... can be used for both bad and good purposes.

[@NoTaboos]

Only dangerous if you want it to be.

[@annebeckemeyer4182]

messages like this are exactly why athletes don’t speak up about these issues. because you never know who could be listening, and if a coach hears you’re mentally going through something they could bench you because you’re seen as less reliable. it just reflects poorly on you so it seems best not to talk about it.

[@sportstable4472]

@Heberth Dos Santos Viana true

[@cloveradelaide]

I ended up having to quit gymnastics, my favorite sport in the world, for the exact same reasons as stated in this video. Everyday I would think about how if I were to get murdered or hit by a car and die, that I wouldn't be upset. That's incredibly dangerous. I was having mental breakdowns everyday and I would spend 30 minutes almost daily in my schools bathroom just crying bc of how much I had to handle. The worst part for me was the adults around me saying things like "when I was your age i had straight As all throughout high school and i was playing _____ sport AND i worked two jobs. You should be working harder." hearing that from my parents and other adults in my life was life destroying. It made me feel worthless, like I wasn't trying hard enough. And because of that I ended up working myself to a point of constant stress injury. It got to a point where I was lying about being sick just so I could miss one day of practice out of my 6 day a week schedule. It's mentally impossible to handle nearly 24 hours a week of practice and have 5 hours of homework a night. I wouldn't finish my homework until 3 am and then I would cry myself to sleep, only to wake up two hours later for school, just to repeat the whole thing again the next day

[@jaylinmsmith]

Cameron Adelaide that’s why gymnastics ain’t it

[@adacompliance]

You're supposed to be getting knocked up at age 20 and not worrying your pretty little head about silly gymnastics

[@imisdeepseajourney1549]

Cameron Adelaide Thanks for sharing 🥰❤️

[@ItsJaden]

It takes a lot to share something like this so kudos to you🙌🏽💯

[@monica-tj9pg]

THIS one. this one right here. i relate to this sm. it sucks bc nobody around me gets it tho.

[@annacornelius8673]

I never comment on KZbin videos, but I’m in high school right now and I am on at least two different teams in overlapping seasons. I go from one practice to another after school and sometimes don’t get home until 10:00 at night. The feelings she described are exactly what I’m feeling right now, burnt out and depleted. Being a student athlete with a very high academic and athletic record is so exhausting. I respect her for bringing this to peoples attention.

[@christinanikitopoulos9870]

Remember to take care of yourself!! Talk with someone about it. Hang in there.

[@gracedonfield1047]

I feel exactly how you do!!! I am a freshman in high school. I am a swimmer, I started varsity this year and am on a USA team where I have three hour practices after my one and 1/2 hour practice for high school. I’m in honors/ap classes with a learning disability, I have model un and band. I’ve also been battling an eating disorder and stress anxiety disorders and no one knows. I don’t get home until 9:30 or 10 at night where I have to start my homework and study to keep myself on the highest honor roll or I will not be able to look myself in the mirror. I’m spiraling and I’m all alone

[@Julia-en5ys]

@@gracedonfield1047 Please remember that nothing is more important than your physical and mental health. If you feel overwhelmed please talk to someone! I'm sure you'll figure it out :)

[@rebeccacramer5911]

I do synchronized skating and some days I get home at 10 pm and leave for the rink at 5 am the next morning. That leaves 7 hours to do homework, eat dinner, and sleep. I’m always scared to let my team down. My friend told me today that I needed to skip practice for exam week but what no one understands is that I can’t just not practice because i need to get better.

[@emmalandefeld2291]

@@gracedonfield1047 omg you are me, I swim , do band to speech and debate and have ADHD this video speaks put to me so much

[@gracelynch7578]

This is literally me except I'm already feeling it and I'm in high school what the actual heck

[@ToriBelle73]

Hey! See a therapist about it NOW! Even if you dont feel like you're 'bad enough' or 'dont need it'. Dont wait until things get bad, start now, and it may never get bad.

[@janinelangegger5602]

Same

[@brieannabernier399]

Same but I literally just saw a therapist about this stuff

I've felt it since middle school due to abusive family members. I love basketball and I wanna succeed in it so bad I'm talented too not trying to brag or anything I'm quick with lots of handles too but my depression, ocd, and ptsd keeps dragging me down.

[@kenthslee]

lassseerrr yah familiar wit that

[@FA-jh3dw]

She is so amazing. I’ve never had a Ted Talk make me cry.

[@piaalan3065]

Same I’m crying

[@kaitlynshaw6258]

I think all of the athletes who have been there really felt this one. Wow

[@natalieberumen3323]

This describes EXACTLY how I feel wow

[@victoriabrowne]

Hope you are feeling better

[@beccaheitzig6300]

@@victoriabrowneheart

[@beccaheitzig6300]

@@victoriabrowne❤❤❤heart ❤heart heart ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤heart ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sammyd7370]

I can't thank you enough for your speech. My niece was a D1 athlete with a full scholarship. Senior year year she had enough and quit. Thank God her parents were understanding and put her through her senior year. It's now five years later and she suffers from self worth issues.

[@blueberrrydazzle]

hey, i'm a student at USC and i totally understand how you feel. I admire your courage to speak up about this topic, because it's often ignored and so hard to talk about.

[@zenzeleluckymtshali8433]

cheque my collumn..hi im in south africa

[@mayarose5377]

I cried watching this. It speaks deeply to me and I want everyone to hear this

[@craigfritz412]

I have watched and admired you since you came in as a freshman. I have sat near your parents and your brother and enjoyed their pride in watching you on court. What I didn't know was how much you were like me beyond volleyball. I have never been more proud of you then I am now after watching this TED Talk. I fell into an incredibly deep and dark depression ten or eleven years ago and what I learned was how to make sure that no one knew I was depressed. I couldn't keep that masquerade going and tried to take my life 3-1/2 years ago, and luckily I failed. I spent eight days in a hospital and then went back home and the pressure began all over and I ran out of my home screaming. What happened after that was a miracle and I started my way back to a real and authentic life. I went back to church, I hired a weekly therapist, I joined a men's team, and I discovered women's volleyball at USC when I went with a friend to watch his granddaughter play you guys your freshman year. Bless you for having the courage and the skill to make this video!

[@danielgray5297]

"When the archer shoots for no particular prize, he has all his skills; when he shoots to win a brass buckle, he is already nervous; when he shoots for a gold prize, he goes blind, sees two targets, and is out of his mind. His skill has not changed, but the prize divides him. He cares! He thinks more of winning than of shooting, and the need to win drains him of power." Isn't that an image of what most people are? When you're living for nothing, you've got all your skills, you've got all your energy, you're relaxed, you don't care, it doesn't matter whether you win or lose.

[@halsheeter4883]

wow thsi is profound where is this from awesome comment very zen

[@chancemholton6611]

Well said

[@ShunyamNiketana]

The whole system is sick in some ways. Student-athletes lose their love for sport while the media celebrates the stars (who may also be depressed). The expression "mental health disorder" has a certain stigmatizing, clinical feel to it even as it exposes the issue, shared by so many. Maybe the "disorder" is society's.

[@KalliLe.]

I just watched this video and realized it’s Victoria! Wow she did a great job with this ted talk and I’ve always been inspired by her as a volleyball player now I respect and idolize her even more! 🏐😌💛

[@olaumeh1297]

Me: *watching this after working out for an hour and before volleyball practice in an hour*

[@rebam1203]

I have suffered with depression, panic attacks, and anxiety since 8th grade, and I am now going into my Junior year in high school. I played volleyball for my school in all those three years, I also ran track and cross country, and did marathons on the side at home. I was always a "perfect" student, I never struggled with schoolwork it all just came naturally to me, it was like I was so good in everything my sports and school that all the teachers would talk about me on how "perfect" I was. I also volunteered because I knew it was good for college, my teachers started preparing for me for college since 2nd grade they all saw the potential in me and just pushed. Everything was going as planned I had the biggest support team, my family, friends, teachers, even my principal from elementary was supporting me throughout all the years. It was until 8th grade, I got the stomach flu and couldn't go to school for weeks cause I couldn't stop throwing up. As soon as I got back to school of course there was so much work to do, I missed MANY assignments, tests, projects, and in general class time, that I was so overwhelmed after the first day back. That night I cried myself to sleep, the next morning I didn't want to go to school I would cry and fight with my parents, this lasted for weeks it was consistent, for the next month I separated myself from my family, friends, and school I never went back. This is when my counselor contacted my parents and said that they would recommend me seeing a therapist. And so I did, I knew I needed help, I couldn't leave the house every time I would leave or step out I would have a panic attack. Just driving by the school I would have a major panic attack, I would always worry that a teacher or classmate would see me and ask me what's wrong. I was finally diagnosed and it was a breath of fresh air for me cause I'm like maybe this can be treated maybe I don't have to feel this way anymore. But nope my parents are old school there is no such thing as mental illness. Up until now every morning I am in a fight with either/both of my parents TRYING to get them to see what I'm going through is real and that with what they are doing to me is not making it any better. Of course since I didn't attend school I was kicked off all the teams, my gpa's went down. To pass 8th and 9th grade I had to go through credit recovery just to barely pass and move on to the next grade. The sad part is I lost everything, sports was everything to me, school was everything to me and I lost it all to mental illness. My life revolved around school and I loved it, I just loved it and it all was taken from me and I couldn't fight it.I didn't't have anything worth fighting for, my dream of becoming a valedictorian was crushed, playing on my schools varsity volleyball team crushed. And my parents had the nerve to tell me I am causing it all, acting like I am doing all of this on purpose. And because they don't think what I'm going through is real they strongly refuse me going on medications and they think it is funny when they joke about it. There was a post in my life where I would think "if I ran in front of that car all my problems would go away I wouldn't have to feel all this pain, I wouldn't have to cry anymore, I would't have to do anything. Luckily I was able to get out of that stage but its still rough it has gotten quite better from 2 years ago but I'm still working on it. If only they could change the school system, many students would not be suffering, mental illness is at an all time high, and it's because of social media, but most importantly school. When our parents were in school they went came back home and played there was not a lot of homework that they had to stay up until 2-3 in the morning to finish. They didn't have to worry about keeping up with their image on social media and in school. They didn't have to worry about college until they got to junior or senior year. Nowadays they're stating them in elementary, way too young in my opinion cause when they grow up they will be walking balls of stress and depression. Kids nowadays are stripped from childhood and are matured way too early. I know this is long but it's like it's so hard to talk about it with my family that it's so much easier to express my feelings/story to people who don't know me.

[@jaylinmsmith]

Mendoza Ohana facts

[@sara-hz7sx]

Im so sorry you had to go through that and I hope you are doing better just remember that you are worth it and the world needs you 💕💕

[@sofiadelgado3352]

I can’t imagine what your going through, have you told a school counselor about what’s going on at home, I think they might talk to your parents and might talk to them and fix it...I hope you feel better

[@levelthefield]

holaa how r u now? getting better?

[@notaname1332]

I've heard you.

[@imogenhull8613]

Exactly how I felt for 3 years running D1 track

[@juliakrawczyk5886]

This is so accurate. I'm a volleyball player and this is how I feel almost 24/7

[@katrinastrash4977]

Everything she said is 100% what I have felt as a D1 athlete...thank you Victoria for using this platform

[@r.osborne6706]

Victoria, so proud of you to speak up on a difficult subject. You are an over-achiever and can stand tall when considering your accomplishments. It does come at a cost and this is something as you move on in your life that you will always have to measure. Achievement versus personal and familial health. I am a person that many thought would achieve more in life than I have. I made choices for the health of myself and my family and yes they have cost me accomplishments, but instead I have joy, peace, and love that have carried me through the hard times. Know that your friend Emily O and I will always support you and pray for you. You are kind and courageous and these are fantastic qualities for a young woman who has achieved so much in life. Fight On!

[@zoecsy8397]

As a swimmer u do 7-9 practices a week each lasting 2-3 hours in high school. A lot of age group swimmers experience the depression in sport while they are in high school before even going to university. It’s sad how sports can be so negative to many individuals.

[@obake0293]

Zoe CSY yes..

[@daniellelugo4268]

Honestly yes. I have much bad childhood trauma from sports.

[@CCRoxtar]

Any sport can be a double-edged sword. On the plus side an athlete can learn the values of teamwork, perseverance, & courtesy toward teammates & competitors alike. But on the minus side, hectic schedules & grueling practices & competitions can wear out an athlete physically & mentally. And once the days in the sport are over, the person may have trouble transitioning to something else to give his/her life meaning.

[@Natasha-lx8ko]

As a swimmer too this is true.

[@jakekelly3110]

Swimming used to be the thing I loved most as a kid, but I had to quit because I was in constant mental anguish. I became addicted to adrenaline, I'd have heaving sobbing fits constantly after races if I didn't perform as I wanted. I was an anxious and depressed mess. It didn't help that my coaches were toxic, but regardless, there is so much pressure in swimming, so much control over your body, so much mental rigor and without support, you crumble. I wish these conversations around mental health and the stigma of weakness were discussed when I was young.

[@angeligliane2615]

I started crying when I watched this

[@heatherhendrickson2147]

Wow. You couldn’t have described those feelings any better.

[@khalipippins-tryon5177]

This is literally my senior year in a video.

[@soulma3267]

Is it weird that this hits harder because I feel closer to her since watchingher Haikyuu reactions. Love you Vic!

[@JakeGoodmanMD]

Preparing for my TEDx talk next week, and watching this for inspiration. Victoria, you are an inspiration!

[@claired2120]

I'm a freshman in high school running cross country and just clicking on this video gave me anxiety because this is how I feel all the time. I always doubt myself and constantly try to push while balancing honor classes, social life, and everything expected out of me from my parents. It is one of the hardest thing ever to be a student athlete. Sometimes I just want a break but then I tell myself that im not working hard of enough or that I dont deserve it and that ill never get anywhere. :(

[@banana8633]

I’m not an athlete but I can say this, I am extremely stressed from school. I have depression and anxiety if I get a good grade, or completed my assignments. I’m only in 6th grade, but sometimes I just wonder if I die my pain can end. Sometimes I tell myself, “the best thing you can do is hide your pain”. So that’s what I did, I hid it from everyone around me. No one knew that I had anxiety or depression because I didn’t even have anyone to talk to. School gives me projects on top of projects and so many assignments over that. No one is realizing the stress that is caused from school. I find this video relatable.

[@marcabramsky1736]

This issue that is being addressed here is pretty simple. I arrived here because of my love for volleyball. However, here is a little tip that all young people should listen to. "It is alright to just be normal" You don't have to be on the most prestigious sports teams. You don't have to be the 95% student. You don't have to do what all your peers or parents expect you to do. This may sound like a cop out but contrary to popular belief the biggest, strongest, and smartest don't always win. If you are not having any fun in your life then "stop". Evaluate what you are doing and ask yourself if you need to put this much pressure on yourself. Does it really matter? Life is competitive and to be "great" at something you must sacrifice. However, if you have no hope in being great (and let's face it most will never achieve this status) then be happy being YOU. Period! More than ever stop steamrolling your life. Anything you do can and will be rewarding if you enjoy it. If you don't and only feel the pressure of having to win or overachieve then your life is likely to be miserable for a long time. Enough will never be enough. The one talent this young lady has is one that she may not even care about that much in her drive to be an overachiever. She is a "good" public speaker. That is where she should focus her talent instead of chasing dreams. Psychiatrists are quick to put a label on someone who runs themselves into the ground (all self-induced) where exhaustion is the final outcome. Simply, find what you are good at. Not great but good. Then pursue it. In time you will love it because you will experience success which builds confidence and influence naturally. If you have to have the trophy girl/boyfriend. Be at the top of the class. Host the best parties and be the next great thing. You will never be happy. Attitude is everything. Cheers!

[@faithhoughtaling4336]

That was the most amazing speech i have EVER heard. Im a volleyball player and feel this way. This was such an uplifting message. Thank you so much.

[@hristinavelkovska724]

I just started to play volleyball and I'm dealing with depression and eating disorders. And I'm also scared to show my body but this inspired me and i decided to go even if I'm scared. So thank you for this speech. It helped a lot. ❤️

[@rodhasmana7306]

that sounds hard - wishing you the best!

[@Pancake138]

Head high, you WILL get through this, always here if you need❤️

[@dariadesandis5639]

It feels good to know that others have felt the way I have felt with sports sometimes! I just want to say thank you!!

[@RedSharkBlue]

I don’t know whether I should quite football right now. I wake up everyday at 5 am to take a shower eat breakfast and head to a workout at 6 which if you are a minute to, like she said you would be running. After that I go to my four different classes (I’m a sophomore in high school) which mostly are either college or AP classes depending on the day, with only a 32 minute lunch, which if you forget to pack you have to spend 10 minutes in a line to get a lunch with 0 nutritional value. After that I head to my practice which is supposed to last from 3 to 5 but usually goes till 6. When I get home I usually spend the rest of my time doing homework for either the class that I had the day before or the one that I had that day. When I wake up in the morning sometimes I just go 30 miles over the speed limit and hope that something will hit me out of the corner of my eye just to get a break. I’m pretty sure I’m depressed and don’t know what to do about it because my family doesn’t have enough money for me to talk to a person, so instead I try to talk to my friends to cope with my internal pain, but some stuff is left unshared for I am scared no one will be my friend. I feel alone and can barely make friends outside my sport because I don’t have time to go out. I have been constantly put under pressure and I am overwhelmingly anxious 24/7. Some days I wish it would end but my family basically depends on me to get a good paying job and getting a scholarship. I love to play my guitar and it’s what really gets me through the day, sometimes I’ll just sit down and strum up and down sitting between a g and a c chord until I start crying. Most of the time I cry for about 10 minutes, but sometimes I cry for over an hour maybe 2. I know theirs something wrong with my brain, but I don’t know how to fix it. If you have read this far thank you for listening, I feel writing this has helped in some way and makes me realize I should quite football, but I don’t know how to communicate that to my coaches because they are like family to me. Thank you for your time. :)

[@mintyangel9616]

I know this is late but just know that as a random person on the internet who is also an athlete, “ You are doing better and managing better than anybody at the professional level. “ I know I’ve quit my sports and had breakdowns from it before and it’s hard. It’s so hard, but my friends in said sport helped me get through it. If your coach is a reasonable person, try and talk with them about it. It’s what I did and I got a well-needed break from my sport and then went straight to another season of sports energized

[@ngaiobalfour527]

I dont usually comment on videos but this one hit home. 1. This is a very important conversation and well done her for speaking up. 2. I believe we cant solve a mental health crisis with drugs and labels; talking to someone and being given a label that you have this, that, disorder and taking drug A, B, C (and maybe D to offset the side effect of A) might get you through the game season but ultimately perpetuates the philosophy of inhumane competition that will continue to effect athlete and other high performance sectors unless there is a structural change in the way well being and time are valued. Btw i am speaking from a place of experience but also privilege: I gave up a competitive sport and burned out in an academic context due to similar issues as she stated. Being diagnosed with several things il keep to myself was helpful but the only way to actuarially change way to remove myself from the environment. I had the privilege to be able to do this without jeopardising my financial circumstance. Even so, I am hunted by the past have lost years of life from the process of attempting to continue to live, a prospect did not think I deserved unless I kept up with a list of expectations I know consider but unnecessary and inhumane. Rant over but please feel free to rant back.

[@farley2711]

not going to rant back but rather will agree with you on #2. As a parent, i don't trust anyone to take meds if given to them. They may when things are good but how do you know they are consistant about it? I have 2 in College now that play sports, 1 is D1 and full ride, that makes it very hard to walk away. the 3rd that doesn't play suffers from severe depression and anxiety; I will not allow her to get put on meds but she has done an amazing job educating herself and becoming a pro at her coping skills. Back to the 2 in sports: lets just say I am thankful for making good money, working for a firm with great benefits, and a family with much love and support. Those going through this alone,,,,,,,,,,man I feel for them and don't know how they can make it. My 3 kids will to just fine. Sending one the 5 sec rule book by Mel Robbins, its amazing. Good luck to you, thanks for sharing the med comment, I agree

[@kyliereed297]

i don’t think i’ve ever seen something more relatable than this video

[@scottfawcett3290]

Amazing talk and incredible courage to speak her truth. I look forward to the day when that doesn't seem "courageous".

[@sarakacem4295]

I was so afread to play and make mistakes... I can so relate

[@daniellekoogle4328]

I am a libero for my club team and we have struggled with mental health. Thank you for bringing attention to this subject. I'm sharing this video with my team.

[@mkadoza]

I absolutely love her intro. The rapid fire delivery truly expresses the 'always late', 'never good enough', 'my feelings dont matter' energy that high performance jobs require. And elite high schoolers and college athletes are high performance jobs.

[@oliviarix2310]

I’m from Buffalo. I was 9 years old when the skate incident happened. My father was watching it live on TV. It’s remarkable Clint survived. So glad he did!

[@annebeckemeyer4182]

i’m definitely feeling this rn. i’m in my junior year and currently in club volleyball. thankfully the practices are not as frequent or demanding than school volleyball. but i think my depression if caused by the combination of: playing club volleyball, having a back injury that isn’t going away, coaching middle school volleyball, being in all honors/AP classes, being in multiple clubs, and trying to manage all the colleges i’m emailing and deciding if i want to take an offer from a d2 school. i’ve had several thoughts of just ending it all. just to be surprised at myself saying “what’s wrong with me? why would i think that?” and sobbing for hours. it’s so hard to talk about depression because it seems to always reflect bad on the person with it. like they could have done something to prevent it. when in reality everyone is different and sometimes people get depression from seemingly no reason at all. like she said: we need to end the stigma because the constant judgement of mental illness only worsens the issue.

[@NatalieMarie917]

I think that 1 in 4 statistic is probably even too low. It’s based on data from people who have been *identified* as having a mental illness. Many people will never be diagnosed, especially if their symptoms are mild or if they are unwilling to admit that something is wrong (due to stigma, etc)

[@vagabond8460]

this is an older video, it’s definitely changed since then. much higher now than it was then

[@sarahcrisp9194]

I took a week off training despite feeling like a terrible person because my depression and anxiety was out of control. And in the end, I only managed to justify it to myself because my depression was manifesting as severe irritability and I felt like I was going to hurt someone. Not because it was hurting me. I essentially put myself in time out. Fortunately, that time out gave me the space to breathe and find compassion for myself as well. I’ve come back to training now feeling a lot better - I have motivation again, a better attitude towards mistakes and other people, fewer physical symptoms of anxiety - but I hope in the future I’ll remember this and be able to bring myself to take the time off that I need, even if that means having those difficult conversations with my coaches.

[@itzjezus8996]

how long did you have that time out for?

[@juliecremoux4719]

Very well said! Thank you for this! As a former player and now coach I can totally relate!

[@auburncohan4433]

This is how I feel EVERY DAY even as a D2 athlete

[@heberthdossantosviana7724]

Great contribution. For your team, for society and mankind. Excellent theme, research, and presentation. Well done Ms. Garrick.

[@alyssalunsford9342]

Practice for collegiate XC started 3 days ago. Class doesnt start for another week and a half. But I missed preseason because of injury. And I have underlying conditions as well as mental illnesses and this video meant so much for me. I'm so far behind, and scholarship is the only way I can afford school. I genuinely love my sport but it is so overwhelming and the only advice I've gotten so far is "You have to want it." If I didnt want it, I wouldnt have signed a D1 scholarship after only one year of competing. I wouldnt have come back after a concussion and rehabbed for 8 months only to be told that I'll never make a full recovery. I wouldnt get up at 3 am every day to make time for practice, work, and normal life. Thank you so much for addressing it. So much.

[@truejessy]

I am a rower and I relate to this so much. I am so glad I am not alone in this.

[@snehagopinath]

a powerful talk which is so relevant today. thank you victoria and TEDx for posting this talk on youtube

[@krishnabhambhoria733]

i am crying becoz that's exactly same that happened to me but even if i show this vedio to anyone ,they will not take it seriously. this is underrated topic but really necessary for athletes

[@fortyamy]

the opening was so powerful

[@KyrahHeems]

This really spoke to me as I suffer from mental health issues as well. In the beginning I thought it was normal and I was just a little less energetic and it will be okay. After some months I had an mental breakdown with my dad in the car when he was bringing me to school and I was really ashamed. I told him I was feeling a little down lately and it might have somethig to do wjth the many trainings I had for tennis. He told me many athletes struggle with such issues and it might be good to train less and give up on topsport, and I was shocked to hear him say that. I started to think about it and the 6 months after that conversation werent fun and I didnt enjoy my tennis trainings. I decided to stop playing tennis in the national team, but my parents didnt like that I made this decision, because they thoufht I was "throwing away all the hours and money invested and all I have reached until now." We had some arguments and I started seeing a therapist which I think is helpful. Now, it is a few months after the decision I quit the national team, but I am afraid I might regret it later and I sometimes feel weak because I gave up on topsport. That is in the long run. For now I am happy I dont train as much, but I still feel much pressure during tournaments (which I still play, but less) and I think I should improve my own positive thinking instead of quitting the national team, thinking my mental health will heal. On one side, giving up on tennis in the national team feels like losing and failing, but on the other hand, I do feel a bit better now (not like what it used to be but i hope Im still improving) and for now it has helped me.

[@saltybois3082]

this is the best ted talk i have heard in a while. love you Victoria!!!!

[@darwish1969]

thank you so much, this was outstanding, bless you

[@liajohnson8879]

thank you for making this video because this is exactly how I feel. I play golf and it is the best and worst thing in my life. I have had some great memories playing this sport but it has made me break down and have panic attacks too many times. I am afraid of failure and golf is a game of making the least mistakes so that is inevitable. It is hard for me to be positive when I think about an upcoming tournament. I wish I had the confidence to believe in my abilities as a talented athlete but I don't think that will ever happen. Someday I hope I can overcome this overwhelming anxiety over this sport because I truly love the game.

[@MBest12]

this is so needed thank you so much!

[@theambitiousduck]

Finally watching this after watching her KZbin channel for probably 2 years

[@NationGamingChannel]

Div II Pitcher here, Went through the same thing this year in the beginning of my season. Had an amazing Fall and then I came back after Christmas with a completely different mindset. Parents were confused and thought I was being ungrateful even though there was more too it. I knew I wasn't alone, but it's comforting to see someone else in my shoes.

[@immanueldarling4449]

I feel this. That’s why I ended up not playing in college even tho I could’ve walked on schools.

[@Mikeymadall]

THIS IS SO IMPORTANT

[@hinamisbah8051]

I'm so happy that someone finally talk about this topic so nicely 🙌 im from Pakistan and I'm also a volleyball player. I have been suffering from this too. This gives a courage and strength to talk about it. Thank you so much!!

[@mindofchrist2301]

Misbah Hina best wishes for your future sister I am from India

[@shinytears_]

this is out of the topic but im a subscriber of hers (haikyu homies) and i love her.. so inspirational

[@emilyme820]

Totally agree. Sometimes it just feels too much on the body And brain and you just can’t preform but you have to push through because you want playing time. I’ve never REALLY took in what she said into consideration till now. I honestly understand

[@peterc2696]

I run cross country and track in college. I’m a freshman and I’ve been mentally good so far this year, thankfully. I see people around me not doing so well and I always reach out and check on them. It’s tough having to get up at 5am 6 days out of the week, run, lift, etc. and then get to class. Not mention the mental toll living away from home can have on people. I’m glad she’s bringing light to this area of athletics that a lot of people, and athletes themselves, don’t even realize is there. Not to mention the nonsense they make athletes do which doesn’t actually help their academic performance. My school forces athletes (freshman no matter what, and anyone else with a gpa less than 2.5) to get 4hrs of study hall every week. I know how to study and I never get anything done there. I do it on my own and the fact that I’m forced to do it irritates me.

[@sofiadelgado3352]

Although before this video my goal was to be a student athlete, now I am a little scared, and although it is still something I want to do, it’s something that needs to change. Please, share this message with anyone who can help future student athletes, such as Victoria Garrick, so student athletes never have to feel this kind of pain ever again. And remember, if you need help, don’t stay quiet -Sofia

[@mikenichols5233]

Very insightful and sad at the same time. Perceptions and the reality of perception are often misaligned due to the unrealistic expectations people put on themselves. But there is a solution. There is always a solution but some people can't see it. Reaching out for help isn't a weakness, it's a strength

[@ExcellentESL]

Powerful conversation. Thank you for sharing.

[@rebeccajimenez4862]

Thank you Victoria!

[@norbertherriott9761]

Real Video about the trials of sports! There is a need for sports psychologist. Thanks, Dr. Herriott

[@Henry_Goodall]

even though i am only in high school i have been constantly on the verge of breaking down this year. i play volleyball representatively as well as for school and a local club. i train 4 times a week and play once a week. on top of this i am training for track and field season in which i am training 3 times a week. i also have to find time to manage my schoolwork as for those of you in Asutralia i am doing ATAR and am trying to go to university. last month i tore my hamstring and all of this work that i was putting in, all of these struggles to perform under the weight of not only school but sport seemed to be stripped away from me. the motivation this video gave me and the reassurance that i know i needed has left me feeling less stressed and has helped me now focus on what i need to do to care for myself

[@donschlegel1972]

Spiritual experience Works 12 steps designed in 1936 . Still works today

[@user-bd4bo4tb8u]

I’m so glad she said mental injury instead of illness.

[@timmymelfi9006]

Imagine being talented and good at volleyball, a true icon🤩🤩

[@pemfhock4069]

Thank you. That’s all I can say. Thank you❤️

[@sarahnordman195]

Wow! Such a powerful message. I wish I had role model when I was younger. Love her! What an intelligent young lady. Love the research!

[@poopstanky3077]

HOW AM I IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND THIS IS HOW I FEEL I keep almost crying in class the stress almost hurts and it makes me wanna quit

[@fotinitrentsiou5300]

I have NEVER related more to a video …Student athletes have to be perfect in everything. If you don’t get in the first place you haven’t got a good excuse for your professors but if you triumph academically and don’t show up to a training then u don’t work hard enough . THIS MUST CHANGE we aren’t machines we are freakin’ human beings .

[@MCR1565]

Thank you for sharing your story! 💖🙏💖

[@christianorr1059]

Fight On, Victoria, from this 1997 USC alum. ✌️✌️ Though I wasn’t a varsity athlete, I can totally empathise with anxiety issues, as I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (G.A.D.) as an Air Force officer in 2005, and my Dad (God rest his soul), a WWII Marine, was bipolar.

[@nhmk2355]

This is one of the best things I’ve ever listen to!

[@emaynard22]

Here in 2021 watching this, as a former student athlete at the collegiate level it is so important to check your mental health. Schools lack that aspect of a sports psychologist for teams

[@anngel11]

I mean, I'm not even an athlete but I have always been competitive in school and this hit so hard.

[@shannonfrye951]

Girl you literally changed my life with this one video I’m only 12 but I have been working since I was 7 just like you I don’t think I can ever let this sport go you are my inspiration not only for today but for everyday no matter what the fact that you can push and push and push to get what ever you want like the Taylor Swift video makes me want to push and push and push I hope you read this and respond I’ve always wanted to come see you play but since your volleyball career has ended that might not ever happen my dream school is Nebraska or Stanford and with this one video I’m going to make it happen

[@omeriuye5372]

I come from Al-Dahih, and my truth is that the art of indifference is great

[@Senjammahekdevi]

I didn’t even realised when my tears rolled down the cheeks...i felt that She was describing me

[@skylover7678]

This depresses me but it really hits you.

[@tannuandmannu93]

I feel every word

[@lizethm.lopezlaverde371]

This is exactly how I've felt for the past 4 years.

[@barbaramalana2302]

I felt every ounce of anxiety Victoria spoke of.... I thought of my daughters.

[@lilymierow4933]

I've found that this is far to accurate to my life I've come so close to quitting my life sport that ive been in since I was two years old. Not only that but I've found that I have become infatuated with volleyball on top of my life sport and have now no time to do my homework or anything else between my two practices a game one gymnastics the other volleyball on top of all that I was diagnosed with ADHD and generalized anxiety around age nine all of this has happened and I'm in just the first semester of freshman year having changed from a public school to a college prep school

[@gracedonfield1047]

I am a freshman in high school. I am a swimmer, I started varsity this year and am on a USA team where I have three hour practices after my one and 1/2 hour practice for high school. I’m in honors/ap classes with a learning disability, I have model un and band. I’ve also been battling an eating disorder and stress anxiety disorders and no one knows. I don’t get home until 9:30 or 10 at night where I have to start my homework and study to keep myself on the highest honor roll or I will not be able to look myself in the mirror. I’m spiraling and I’m all alone

[@hydro9807]

I had anxiety but as i grew older i just didnt care anymore about what people think about me and now im a bit more calm

[@billwong6077]

Great talk! I am a Trojan alum and have been on the TED stage twice. I am also an occupational therapist by trade. You bring a unique spin to a common issue in societies today. You spoke with a lot of energy and passion. Of course, your story is very powerful, too. Keep fighting on! One nitpicking critique- 21 minutes is too long. My first TEDx speech coach said often the most watched TEDx Talks are around 10 minutes. I think you were trying to cram all of what you talked about into 15 minutes. But overall... A+ for everything else.

[@te6882]

Victoria Garrick is my usc player!!!

[@HollandTowne-j2f]

We watched this in class today and I broke down so hard in front of everyone this is how I always feel and it sucks

[@Fishybokkie]

I’m only in middle school and I fell the exact same way.

[@obake0293]

As a swimmer, waking up at 4:30 am, having double session, and with school...it’s really killing me

[@aryannamichelle6800]

mental health is important. athletics has caused me so many mental issues. in one game i had a run of 8 points on my serve and because the refs messed up we got called out of rotation they made me stop serving and messed up our whole rotation. That one day made me have a panic attack. It’s so hard mentally because of the amount of pressure athletes put on themselves. Athletes please i’m begging you reach out about your mental health. i still haven’t but this year i will.

[@alaynaharstine8585]

Truly amazing! I never thought I could relate so heavily with a video

[@muhammadzahir7098]

I have been facing anxiety since 1979, prime time of my Life almost passed with this disease unfortunately couldn't get rid of despite my efforts to overcome this monster. Now I think it is part of my life /fate.Restlessness is due to anxiety is painful thing which keep disturbed daily routine life.

[@brookehill3253]

i’ve fundamentally mastered the physical components of my sport (lacrosse). but the toughest thing that kills me is going in with a clear mind. life at home is nothing short of verbally and physically abusive. from this, i’ve gained severe anxiety and depression. going to practice is the only time i feel at home and happy. it seriously hurts when my brain starts scrambling like a runaway train. i feel like i let down my coach and my teammates because i cannot handle my anxiety. people think i’m struggling with a physical aspect of the game while i’m actually at war with myself in my head. i’m lost. being on that field should be the only time i’m able to escape from reality.