The Importance of Mental Health & Advocacy: Lauren Pastor, MASC President

London, ON – My name is Lauren Pastor. I am the Mustangs Athletic Student Council President (MASC) but most of you may know me as #8 on the women’s volleyball team.
 
I am excited to kick off Mustangs Talk. This campaign highlights student athlete advocacy for various social causes, with mental health and anti-racism at the forefront for this week, but also throughout the year. These topics are very important to not only the university, but the athletics department, all of us as Mustangs and myself, as I have had my own struggle with mental health as a student athlete. I wanted to share some of my story in hopes that this will encourage others to do the same – seek support, support others and keep the conversation going.

 
Western Volleyball legend Melissa Langagger encouraged me to join the student athlete mental health initiative, or SAMHI, when I was a first year. That is where I met the current lead of SAMHI, James, and so many other student athletes like him that created a safe space to discuss the struggles we as student athletes face. For me, I struggled with performance anxiety throughout all 11 years of my volleyball career, but it never made me want to stop playing.
 
This school year, I began my academic journey at Ivey and had the opportunity to play in my first normal OUA season ever without interruptions from the pandemic. I was seemingly in the perfect spot. I was a starter and a captain on the team. I had open and honest communication with my coaching staff, and I loved my teammates.
 
Slowly, I started to notice a change in myself, and by November, it was apparent to everyone around me that I was not ok. I was very socially withdrawn, sad all the time and had no motivation to do the things I loved any more. I was so depressed that the idea of going to practice every day felt like a burden. Every time I would sit in the team room I would pray that no one would start conversation with me. Or when we would travel to away games I would sit alone and put my headphones in so no one would talk to me on the bus. My last practice with the team was a week before our home opener and I cried all practice. My teammates and coaches became very concerned. Melissa Bartlett (the Head Coach of the Mustangs Women’s Volleyball team) and I spoke that night and decided it was best if I took a break from the team and to return in the winter semester.
 
My time off allowed me to get some help. My recovery is still an ongoing process, but I am proud that I was able to step away and take a break when I clearly needed it.
 
With that said, after a lot of thought, I have decided to step away from volleyball permanently. This was a very hard realization for me to come to, but I know it is what is ultimately best for me and the team. My teammates and coaches have been nothing but supportive throughout this entire process, and I am so grateful for all the friendships I am leaving this sport with.
 
Student athletes are recognized to be at a higher risk than the average student of developing depression and anxiety. I am lucky enough to have an amazing group that has supported me. If you are a parent, sibling, friend, coach or teammate of a student athlete, make sure to check in on them when you can. And athletes, if you are having a hard time, please reach out for help.
 
Thank you so much for listening. We look forward to sharing more stories through Mustangs Talk over the coming week and months.

SUPPORTS

If you need support mental health appointments can be booked by calling Health and Wellness Services at 519-661-3030.

• Same-day crisis appointments are available Mon-Fri until 4:30 p.m.
• Good2Talk is also a 24hr confidential support service for post-secondary students in Ontario.
• Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
• For more resources and supports visit uwo.ca/health