Steph's Tournament Fundraiser

I have had the privilege of being involved with JCK Foundation for six years in many different ways. Most recently, I serve as the Volunteer and Events Coordinator where I get to help facilitate and organize all of the events that the JCK Foundation hosts. What spoke to me the most about getting involved with the foundation was the message that drives the work, especially aiming at young adults. Ending the stigma around mental health issues is such an important mission. Many members of my family struggle with mental health problems and I have seen first hand how this affects not only their lives but their families as well. I truly believe having an open line of communication, without judgment or isolation is the only way for those struggling to be able to get the help that they need, and that is exactly why this foundation is so important. 

One message that I feel the most strongly about is ending the stigma around getting help VIA outlets like therapy. I have been to therapy at many stages throughout my life for a multitude of reasons, and I proud to say that I am not ashamed of this. As an adult, I have made a conscious decision to return to therapy, and it has honestly changed the trajectory of my life. There is no set path that we are all meant to take, and figuring out the best route for ourselves is harder for some than others. In a society where many posts only the greatest highlights of their lives, it is often too easy to compare ourselves to others and get caught in a cycle of self-loathing or feeling inadequate. For me, being able to open up to the community about my experiences in therapy has not only helped me accept my journey and embrace my imperfections but it has connected me with others who were seeking an outlet like this but did not know where to turn. For many, they are too ashamed or nervous to ask for help in fear of being labeled as "crazy" which is something I struggled with as well. After first sharing my story about two years ago, I had many people reach out to me to help them find a professional for help, and that is exactly what this platform is for, networking and realizing that no one needs to struggle alone. I want everyone to understand that seeking help does not show a sign of weakness, but instead a sign of immense strength and self-awareness. It has helped me realize patterns of destructive behavior that I was repeating due to stress, anger, and unrealistic self-expectations or pressure to be or look a certain way. Today there is such pressure on everyone to physically look our best, but not enough focus on feeling our best mentally, and that truly needs to change. Whether these pressures are external or internal changing your mindset is much easier said than done, sometimes, even though we don't want to admit it, we need help and therapy such an underutilized tool at all of our disposals. Do not be afraid to ask for the help you need!

 Being able, to be honest, and vulnerable through my work with the foundation has meant more to me than I can express. I am thankful for the foundation for spreading the message of inclusion, acceptance, and honesty and I am so happy to be a small part in the bigger change that is happening.