MILWAUKEE - In conjunction with World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Milwaukee Athletic Department is running a series this month focusing on mental health awareness of Panther student-athletes. Each entry is shared directly in the student-athlete's own words.
 
"Mental health is important to me because of how it has impacted those whom I love. I have loved ones who struggle with depression and anxiety, and I know so deeply how they don't want to feel these things. I have learned that sometimes there isn't much I can do but sit with them and love them. I struggled with some disordered eating in high school and briefly into college, and I have watched people I love dearly throw in the towel, feeling that this life is too much to bear. Poor mental health is the plague of our generation. 
 
I have heard it said that it is important that we have pride in ourselves, that when we do this, it will all be better. I would like to counter this statement. I believe that humility is the answer. I know this sounds strange, but hear me out. Humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself. It means thinking of yourself, less. Our lives are not about us. 
 
I believe that my life is about loving God and loving others. I have seen this truth transform lives, and it completely changed mine. I have been saved from myself, by Jesus Christ. 
 
You don't have to subscribe to what I believe to know that, as humans, we desire to be known. We want to know you too. I hope we all have the courage to be vulnerable and honest about where we are struggling. You are not alone. "
 
-Rylie Vaughn, MKE volleyball