Breaking the Stigma: High School Students Discuss Mental Health with Olympic Athletes and Colts Players

The Indianapolis Colts, USA Swimming, and Indiana Sports Corp hosted an event called “Under the Surface,” which provided 150 local high school students with the opportunity to engage in a conversation about mental health. The students listened to a panel discussion featuring Olympic gold medalist Lilly King, U.S. swimmer Ashley Twichell, Colts cornerback Kenny Moore, and Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson.

Lilly King, who hails from Indiana, shared that it was helpful for her to know that others, even those at the highest level of performance, struggle with similar feelings. A student from Warren Central High School, Aileen Stockdale, found it eye-opening to see herself reflected in the panelists and how mental health issues are not limited to high schoolers alone.

The students who participated in the event were part of Bring Change to Mind, a national organization with chapters in schools across Indiana. The organization aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. Stockdale joined Bring Change to Mind in search of help for herself while also seeking to assist others on their journey towards finding themselves and seeking help when needed.