During her Freshman year, Aubrey struggled with anxiety and depression and sought out treatment in the form of therapy and medications.  Her symptoms included feeling a loss of motivation, fatigue, and persistent sadness even when she was performing and playing at her best. 

"How has focusing on your mental health helped you?" (interviewer)

Aubrey adds,  "Focusing on my mental health has enabled me to be more productive and have better interpersonal relationships. Some strategies that I have developed have been to engage in meditation and mindfulness when I sense a lot of overwhelming feelings. This sense of regaining perspective keeps me from catastrophizing a particular situation. It also allows me to not get lost or retreat into my own thoughts and remain connected to the people around me." 

"Do you have any recommendations for other athletes struggling?" (interviewer)

Aubrey responds, "For other student-athletes who are struggling, I would recommend truly understanding your ‘why’ and why you are doing anything, even outside of our sports. We are all usually raised in an environment through athletics in which we are often performing for the validation of others. When we find ourselves doing things for validation from other people even as we move through life, it can be very hard to be present or find fulfillment in what we do. Being able to be present in the moment is key."

"Did you struggle with any mental health challenges as an athlete at Pepperdine? (ie. anxiety, depression, etc.) and did you feel that being an athlete may have contributed to this?" (interviewer)

"I have struggled with mental health challenges as an athlete at Pepperdine, especially as a freshman trying to adjust.  I believe being an athlete sometimes contributed to mental exhaustion and made it difficult for me to find the time to address these challenges."

"Did you develop any strategies to help you overcome or avoid these issues?" (interviewer)

"I started meeting with the sports psych counselor at Pepperdine and he helped me tremendously as he was someone I could talk to about what I was feeling and experiencing and helped me create management skills." 

"Do you have any advice for athletes who may be struggling with their mental health?" (interviewer)

"My advice would be to not keep your challenges to yourself and talk to someone, whether that be a teammate, coach, professor, counselor, etc. I realized during my time here that you are truly not alone and everyone has shared experiences. Navigating college and life is hard as it is, and being an athlete can be very challenging on top of that as well. There are many resources and support staff at this school that can help you and make your experience even that much better. Know you are not alone. Be your biggest advocate!"