150 high school students from Indianapolis were given the opportunity to discuss mental health during an event called “Under the Surface”. Hosted by the Indianapolis Colts, USA Swimming, and Indiana Sports Corp, the event took place before the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials. The students were able to listen 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.
During the panel discussion, Lilly King shared how it was helpful for her to know that others, even those at the highest level of performance, struggle with similar emotions. A student from Warren Central High School named Aileen Stockdale found it eye-opening to see herself in the panelists and realized that mental health issues are similar in both high schoolers and adults.
The students who participated in this event are part of Bring Change to Mind, a national organization with chapters in schools across Indiana. This organization aims to remove the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. Stockdale said she joined this organization because she was looking for help in finding herself while also assisting others on their journey towards recovery.
