Wellness Isn't Just Physical

As former collegiate athletes, the founders of Baobab Ventures understand the importance of overall wellness, both physical and mental. Growing up, you're always told that if you want to play sports in college, you need to practice your skills, lift weights, and run. No one ever mentions the mental side of the game. It wasn't until I was a freshman on the Syracuse field hockey team that I realized that while I was the most physically fit I had ever been in my life, I was mentally the weakest. If you asked my coach, she would have said that I didn't have the drive or passion for the game that was required to succeed. That couldn't have been farther than the truth. My love for the game and desire to have an impact combined with the constant voice of my coach telling me I'd never be good enough are what pushed me into a severe struggle with anxiety and depression. Luckily, Syracuse University offered free access to a sports psychologist. It's with the psychologist that I was able to identify that my drive and passion for the game was far from the root cause of my problems. My anxiety and depression was both chemical and environmental. 7 years later, I am still living with anxiety and depression. The difference is that now I have the knowledge and resources to access the support I need. Mental health struggles are far too common among student-athletes. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, reach out to those around you. Odds are they are struggling with something similar and may have information on resources you never knew existed. If you are in need of mental health assistance, try searching "mental health resources near me" on Google. There are also great online resources that provide tele-health such as Better Help, Lyra, and Talk Space . Online therapy can be great for quick access and diverse therapy options. Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. Invest in yourself and know that you deserve to be the best version of yourself. Wellness is both physical and mental.