London, ON - The Mustangs Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI) brought Kendra Fisher to Western's campus on Wednesday, Jan 25, 2023. Kendra is a past member of Team Canada's women's hockey program who was forced to step away from the team due to mental illness. Now, after 10 years of mastering life with mental illness, she travels the world sharing her journey in an effort to educate on supports, resources and potential strategies for those struggling or supporting others dealing with mental health challenges. She joined our Mustangs student athletes to talk about the importance of making their mental health a priority.
 
We spoke with Kendra Fisher and James Bull, a former student athlete on the Baseball and Rugby teams and current President of SAMHI, about why it is so important that we continue to have these open conversations.
 
James, why is it important to have someone like Kendra Fischer come speak with Western Mustangs student athletes about her mental health journey?
Mental health has become a much more common topic to speak about in the last few years. This is a fantastic development, but it is important to remember that there are still a lot of athletes that don't feel supported or feel as though they are alone in dealing with personal struggles. This is why it is crucial for an influential spokesperson like Kendra Fischer, a high-level well-known athlete, to come out and share her journey. Being able to identify athletes who deal with these same struggles at the highest level of competition can help those in need feel as though they are not alone. Instead, they can point to her story for a source of belonging, resiliency, understanding and support. 
 
Kendra, your story is very moving: Kendra Fisher. What made you decide that you wanted to do Mental Health advocacy work and share your story?
I got to a place I realized my silence was part of the problem. I had learned how to manage my illness, but I was embarrassed to admit I was sick in the first place. Too many people are suffering in silence with no idea how to get help, they need to know they're not alone.
 
James, why did you get involved with SAMHI?
My involvement with mental health organizations began when I founded a Jack.org chapter at my high school. I focused on creating a community that was informed about mental health and one in which speaking up about personal issues was applauded. Once I reached university, I faced my own difficulties in adjusting to the new team and school environments. It forced me to take a look at the community that I was a part of and recognize how it was failing young athletes that were in a similar position. I looked to continue developing my passion for mental health advocacy by joining SAMHI in my second year and then taking over as the lead for our SAMHI team during my 3^rd and current 4^th undergraduate year. My main goal when I took over as the SAMHI lead was to develop programming that was able to provide student athletes with the tools they required to create sustained prevention of mental health struggles. My team and I did this by identifying the common challenges that post-secondary student athletes faced that led to the development of poor mental health. We then implemented workshops, speakers and initiatives to target these barriers and provide students with the resources they needed to tackle them in order to create sustainable change and prevention of mental health issues. 

Kendra, have you seen a change in Mental Health advocacy and supports over the years you have been doing this?
There have been changes yes, but we are still a long way from even coming close to where we need to be.

James, how do you think individuals can most have an impact in supporting mental health awareness and advocacy?
Mental health advocacy and awareness starts within your own small community. That could be within your team, house, program or any other group you're a part of. You need to be a clear supporter of the cause you believe in by showcasing your passion for the topic and willingness to support others. The key is that this doesn't always need to take the form of a grand gesture or monumental event. Our goal should be to create a community that is supportive and open towards mental health. We can create that community through small and consistent acts. These can be as simple as discussing prominent mental health issues that appear in professional sports with your peers or being open and vulnerable about issues that you have faced in your past that you worked or are working to overcome. Collectively, small acts of support can have a massive impact towards creating a community that allows those struggling with mental health issues to thrive instead of crumble. 

Kendra, how do you think it is best for individuals to help have an impact?
Show up. Be willing to be a part of difficult conversations. Offer your time and presence. You don't always have to have the answers; but just being there for your people, making sure they know they aren't alone, it makes the world of difference.

James, what is some advice you would give to someone struggling with their mental health?
To those struggling with mental health concerns, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Caring for your mental health takes consistent hard work and it is not an easy task. There is a huge group of individuals that have an understanding of the difficulties that you are faced with, when negative mental health is a prominent factor in your life. Looking to those around you for support can make a substantial impact on your ability to handle the workload that you have been burdened with. The people and resources that are available can be key to developing the strong habits and coping strategies that are necessary to create a sustainable change in your mental health status. 

Kendra, what is some advice you would give to someone struggling with their mental health?
You are not alone! So many of us understand your journey. Start building your team and let them help you through the days that feel too heavy.
 
We thank Kendra for coming to campus to speak with our Mustangs student athletes for Mustangs Talk, and James from SAMHI for helping to coordinate this event. It is so vital that we continue to have these important conversations.



Western University Supports
· Mental health appointments can be booked by calling 519-661-3030. Same-day crisis appointments are available Mon-Fri until 4:30 p.m. 
· Mental Health Support Groups & Workshops offered this term cover a range of topics: Black and Racialized Student Support, Empowering Your Queer, Social Thriving, Mindfulness, Anxiety 101 and more! Visit uwo.ca/health  for more info.
· A Student Support Case Manager can provide outreach, information, referrals, and support if you're experiencing multifaceted concerns. 
· Black and Racialized students experiencing race-related stress can request to speak with counsellors from the mental health team who also belong to these communities. 
· International Student Advisors can assist if you're an international student with questions and concerns, make referrals to other supports, and provide a welcoming, safe space to talk. Book an appointment at iesc.uwo.ca or email iesc@uwo.ca. 
Crisis Supports
· Good2Talk provides 24hr confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario. Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.   

For more resources and supports visit www.uwo.ca/health