We recently connected with Brittany Bowers and have shared our conversation below.
Brittany, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Growing up, sports were the heartbeat of my life. From soccer to basketball, I tried my hand at nearly every sport, reveling in the thrill of competition and the camaraderie that came with it. However, it wasn’t until high school, when my best friend introduced me to track and field, that I found my true passion. This new love came with not just triumphs but also significant challenges, particularly related to mental health.
The Competitive Edge
As I transitioned into college, my passion for track and field intensified. I set my sights on mastering every event of the heptathlon. The drive to excel consumed me; I was determined to make my coaches and teammates proud. However, this relentless pursuit had a darker side. In 2018, I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, a disorder that led me into a battle for control that tested my strength in unimaginable ways.
The pressure to excel in every event, combined with my innate perfectionism, took a toll on my mental health. After finishing my NCAA eligibility in 2017, my obsessive-compulsive tendencies spiraled out of control, spilling into my academic life and everyday activities. The fear of failure combined with the desire for excellence clouded my vision, leading me into a spiral I was ill-prepared for. A study from the National Eating Disorders Association reveals that approximately 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. It was alarming to realize I was one of them.
Learning from Adversity
Facing anorexia and undergoing residential treatment was a harsh experience, but it taught me invaluable lessons. I learned that life consists of choices, and it is within our power to decide how to respond to challenges. Recognizing that we have a choice is often the first step toward reclaiming control.
During treatment, I had a breakthrough that changed my outlook on health and athletics. Mental health struggles are formidable adversaries, yet they do not define us. Instead, they offer opportunities for growth. I started to realize that my worth isn’t tied to my athletic achievements or appearance. For example, I began to express gratitude for small victories, such as completing a workout without the anxiety that once plagued me.
Battling the Shadows
Some days, my depression casts a long shadow over my thoughts. It convinces me that I’m unworthy of joy and connection. But this darkness has driven me to seek healthier outlets.
Joining CrossFit marked a pivotal moment in my recovery. The environment is inherently different from track; it focuses more on community, grit, and resilience rather than control. CrossFit allowed me to redefine strength—not just as a physical quality but as a mental one. With each workout, I could let go of strict parameters and embrace a new fitness culture that celebrates progress over perfection. For example, I noticed improvements in my strength and stamina in just six weeks of training, something I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
The Importance of Support
Throughout my journey, I have been lucky to have a strong support network. Friends, family, and mentors have been there for me, reminding me that I’m not walking this path alone. The significance of surrounding myself with positive influences cannot be overstated; these relationships serve as pillars of strength during tough times.
While treatment helped me confront my battle with anorexia, the love and support from my close circle anchored me further in reality and helped me manage my emotions. Knowing that others are willing to stand by my side invigorates me. I choose to reach out and lean on these supportive figures, which has been vital in fostering my recovery.
Embracing My Journey
I have faced one of the highest mortality rate disorders, but I continually find inspiration in how far I’ve come. Over time, I have developed resilience that allows me to confront anxiety, depression, and the remnants of my eating disorder. I have learned that every day is a conscious choice to invest in my mental health and well-being. While challenges remain, I now view them as essential parts of my journey rather than insurmountable barriers.
In track and field, and in life, resilience is crucial. Overcoming mental health challenges teaches me that setbacks do not equate to failure; they are opportunities for growth. Every time I lace up my shoes for practice or enter the CrossFit gym, I remind myself that my past struggles do not define me; my ability to rise above them does.
Moving Forward with Resilience:
Navigating the complexities of mental health while pursuing my athletic dreams has profoundly shaped me. My journey through anorexia and depression illuminated the challenges of mental illness while also unveiling the immense strength within each of us.
This resilience—fueled by choice, support, and self-discovery—drives me forward. I understand now that my legacy will not solely be measured by my achievements in track and field but also by how I rise strongly in the face of adversity. I aim to prove to myself and others that thriving is possible, even amid mental health challenges.
For anyone facing similar struggles, remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The path to self-acceptance and healing can be winding, but every step you take lays the foundation for soaring to incredible heights—both in sports and in life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a school counselor on the path to becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC), I often think about the dreams I hold close. The journey to my LPC license is not just an achievement; it offers me a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students. Daily, I engage with young minds and hearts who are navigating their emotions and experiences. Being there for them during tough times and exciting times fuels my passion for this work.
The role of a school counselor is incredibly rewarding. Advocating for students who feel unheard and providing a listening ear can shape their realities.
Reflecting on my experiences, I realize how important my high school counselors were in shaping who I am today. They taught me critical life skills, encouraged me to challenge negative thoughts, and reinforced the importance of setting boundaries. Their impact on my journey is immeasurable and serves as a constant reminder of why I am pursuing this career.
In today’s world, mental health awareness is more significant than ever, and the demand for counselors is growing. 1 in 5 children experiences a mental health disorder each year, yet many do not receive the help they need. As I prepare for the NCMHCE, I know my dream of becoming a school counselor and practicing LPC work is within reach. I envision counseling during the school year while providing LPC services in the summer and as time allows.
This vision not only embodies my professional aspirations but also represents a holistic approach to addressing mental health. I find excitement in bridging school counseling with therapeutic practices, creating spaces where students feel safe and supported. The thought of extending my services beyond the school year propels me forward and motivates me to dive deeper into my studies.
While working toward these goals, I enjoy documenting my journey. I am learning how to create a blog, allowing me to share insights, reflections, and resources related to counseling and mental health. Writing serves as a form of self-discovery, enabling me to reflect and grow as I navigate my path toward LPC licensure.
My journey as a school counselor is driven by dreams—dreams of making an enduring impact, being an advocate for students, and providing vital support for those in need. The road is long but filled with learning experiences that build my resilience. As I continue preparing for the NCMHCE and work toward my future, I believe that every step taken brings me closer to enriching the lives of many.
Each dream realized is an opportunity to be the light during someone else’s storm. This aspiration keeps me grounded and committed to making a difference in the world of mental health, one student at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience is one of the most important qualities to develop. The ability to bounce back from setbacks is vital. Every journey includes challenges that can discourage even the most motivated individuals. In the early stages of my career, I faced significant obstacles. To build resilience, embrace challenges head-on instead of avoiding them. Start small; tackle a project that makes you uneasy and learn from it. Keep moving forward; My motto and favorite tattoo is small victories. if all you can do is make your bed, that is a win.
In an ever-changing world, adaptability can make all the difference. My journey has included numerous unexpected shifts that disrupted my original plans. At first, I didn’t want to adapt or take on the unexpected, but looking back, learning how to adapt to the chaos has made life more fun and a little less stressful.
Curiosity has been a driving force behind my quest for knowledge. It has led me to explore different fields and connect with a wide range of people, enriching my life significantly. Fostering curiosity can be as straightforward as committing to lifelong learning. Set aside time to read books or listen to podcasts. Engage in conversations with people from various backgrounds. Challenge yourself with questions that provoke thought and inspire innovation. This not only broadens your perspective but also opens doors to unexpected opportunities down the line.
Most of all, have fun!
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Running in Silence by Rachael Steil struck a chord during my journey through anorexia recovery—a time fraught with self-doubt and emotional turmoil. The beauty of Steil’s narrative is her ability to express the intricate connection between mental health and sports. As someone deeply involved in athletics, her words resonated with me. I realized I was not alone; my struggles mirrored her experiences. This reflection made it easier for me to confront my battles and communicate my feelings more effectively to those around me, particularly friends and family who wanted to understand my challenges. Steil’s insights offered a clear map for navigating the complex waters of eating disorders, especially for athletes. She did not sugarcoat the harsh realities; instead, she revealed the emotional confusion and isolation that often accompany these struggles. This raw honesty created a safe space for me to acknowledge my feelings without fear of judgment.
One of the most profound lessons I took from this book was: “The greatest lesson I learned in this long and confusing journey was that my body was never broken, my mind was never beyond repair, and I was never really as alone as I thought I was.” This statement resonates deeply, capturing the essence of resilience. It reassures readers that both our physical and mental states can heal. Recognizing that struggles are a shared human experience is empowering. This understanding promotes the idea that recovery is a communal journey, reminding us we are not alone.
Reading Running in Silence, I discovered the importance of self-compassion. It is easy to fall prey to harsh self-criticism, especially in a world that often demands perfection. The book encourages readers to embrace their imperfections. Vulnerability is not a weakness; rather, it is a strength that plays a vital role in healing. Additionally, Steil stresses the necessity of community support. She illustrates how sharing personal stories fosters connections and understanding—an incredibly healing process. This concept applies not only to those battling eating disorders but also to anyone facing challenges. There is immense power in empathy and shared experiences. Reflecting on my recovery, I realized that reading Running in Silence was more than just a pastime; it became a crucial part of my healing process. The book’s themes of struggle and resilience reinforced my belief that recovery is not a straight path but a winding journey filled with both setbacks and victories.
Ultimately, Running in Silence by Rachael Steil transformed my view of recovery, allowing me to feel seen and understood. It instilled in me the faith that healing is feasible and that I have the necessary tools to reclaim my life. The lessons throughout the book are not exclusive to those with eating disorders; they resonate universally, offering hope and encouragement to anyone facing adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brittnbowers.wixsite.com/bbr1ttt
- Instagram: @bbr1ttt
Image Credits
Denise Jane
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