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Writer's pictureMegan Roche

Mental Health Matters

I'm an Olympic fiend. I love watching all the different sports of the summer and winter games. Maybe it's watching people accomplish their life long dream of winning the gold medal. Maybe it's the pure athleticism that it takes to be an Olympian. It's just all magic to me.


As I watched the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, I couldn't help but feel so many emotions. On one hand, I was happy to see the games return, but on the flip side, I felt it was too early with COVID for us to even consider having an Olympic Games.


Every morning for the last two weeks, I got up to watch all the Olympic coverage that I could. I found myself immersed in sports that I never thought I'd have a vested interest in. From Water Polo to Archery, I was entertained by it all!


In addition to loving all things Olympic, I'm also a huge supporter of USA Gymnastics. The sport of gymnastics has always intrigued me. I love the sparkly leotards, the acrobatic skills, the floor routine music. I love the balance and grace and grit and determination that it takes to be an elite gymnast.


However, this Olympic Games has felt different for many reasons. The GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Simone Biles withdrew from the competition on the verge of making history. With over 25 World Championships under her belt, there is no doubting that she is the greatest, but the reason why she withdrew made me think about my own mental health.


After a serious bout of the stomach virus, I felt under pressure to get everything done by my work deadline, I had just started babysitting again for extra money. My weekly Wednesday volunteer position was taking up much of my time. I noticed that I hadn't left the house in days. Something wasn't right.


I slowly realized that even though I am a "Yes"person, I needed to learn how to say no. I needed to set healthy boundaries and put myself first. I can't pour from an empty cup and how can I take care of anyone else if I don't take care of myself? After that bout with the stomach virus, I decided that I was top priority.


While I am back to normal stomach wise now, I am mentally trying to take pressure off myself. For awhile, I thought that I would be respected by my colleagues more if I did everything I could do and juggle all different projects. I thought that by keeping myself busy all the time, I could make myself happy. What I've learned is that it's completely okay to be not okay.


Currently, I've taken a step back from my weekly volunteer position, at least until September. I have set a major deadline when it comes to working from home; no checking or sending emails after 5:00 PM unless it is an emergency. My Saturday and Sunday belong to me and nobody else.


I've often struggled with guilt when working from home. I feel the need to constantly be in "go" mode. My computer is on? Time to work. Weekend? Nope, work. Do something fun with my family? Work comes first. The new Megan refuses to allow that. Because the truth go the matter is, I am 100% replaceable at my job. However, I cannot replace the memories that I miss out on with my family and friends.


As I embark on the first week of my 30s, I've decided that my overall well being and mental state is worth far more than any extra paycheck or side hustle could give me.


Above all, while I may not be a National/World/Olympic Gold Medalist and the pressure of an entire nation isn't on my back, my mental health matters too.


Simone, thank you for shining the light on mental health as the world watched the Olympic Games. I truly hope that you know that what you did makes you even more so the Greatest of All Time.


Signing off,




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