Maggie Werba shared her mental health journey with us in January, 2021. Now, she reflects on her career while watching the Olympics. Maggie has found joy in food blogging for her Instagram and website. Sitting on the couch, eating homemade gluten-free granola, curled up with my new puppy, fiance, and a good book –oh, and…
Anthony Pecorella: Healthy Minds
My name is Anthony Joseph Pecorella. I was born and raised in Malverne, New York by two loving parents, Anthony and Marisa. I have one sibling, a twin sister named Alessia, who is my best friend. I am currently a sophomore finance major in the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of…
Madison Wolfbauer: Trust The Process
My story isn’t simple. I’ve had many challenges, but I would love to share in hopes that even one person can relate. I committed to the University of Illinois when I was 15 years old. My club soccer team was well known and many of my teammates went on to play D1 soccer at top…
Alexandra Millet: Transferring Taught Me
I remember my postseason meeting with my coach after my freshman season at Southeastern University like it was yesterday. I had worked myself to the max all year. I became stronger, faster, improved my skills, and our team made it to the national championship. Yet I remember walking out of that meeting defeated. All year,…
Fletcher Byrd: My Professional Dream Reimagined
The two biggest fears of any athlete: failing and quitting. Every motivational speaker, inspiring story, and sports movie preaches the mottos of “don’t quit” and “never stop trying,” but what happens when your sport brings you more pain than joy? Growing up, like many kids, I wanted to become a Major League Baseball player. Ever…
Skylar Walder: Tested. My Battle with COVID-19.
When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, we were all tested. The world shut down and now in 2021, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I entered college in the fall of 2020 and the entire school year was uncertain. We were not sure if our school would send us home,…
Karina Carstens: My Eating Disorder “Chad” and Our Toxic Relationship
I named my eating disorder “Chad” to personify it. I struggled with anorexia, and there are themes throughout my story of control, guilt, secrecy, loss of libido, and loneliness –all of which are prevalent amongst most people with anorexia. If you are struggling with this disease or any other type of eating disorder, I STRONGLY…
Kenzie Mitchell: The Pandemic That Ruined College Sports & Our Mental Health
Kenzie first published this piece on her personal blog in February 2021. About two weeks ago, we started the Spring 2021 semester fully virtual. I had a professor ask me to introduce myself to my classmates. I was required to answer two questions: 1) Who are you? 2) Why are you here? I answered the…
Kim Hildreth: A checklist to choose love for the days when you hate yourself and life a little.
Kim Hildreth is a professional beach volleyball player and NBH-WC Board Certified Health Coach. When she’s not on the beach, she enjoys helping others reach their wellness goals. She’s one of The Hidden Opponent’s greatest supporters, as our mission greatly aligns with her own. Learn more about Kim, her coaching opportunities, and read more blog…
My name is Devon White. And I am an alcoholic.
My name is Devon White. And I am an alcoholic. My sobriety date is November 8, 2003. I mention that first because that date is the impetus for my journey to understand myself, inside and out, cognitively, emotionally and spiritually. As far back as I can remember, I can remember anxiety. I remember going to…
