Even when everything looks okay, look a little closer

During this year’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, UCLA’s Lauren Betts has been one of the best players in the country. Yet when the hoopla from the National Championship settles, we may find that her biggest impact comes from her strength and bravery off the court.

Early in the season, Betts opened up about her experience with anxiety and depression. She spoke about how heavy things felt, why she needed to step away, and how getting help made it possible to come back with renewed energy and a desire to help others.

When someone at that level, with her platform says, “I wasn’t okay” and “I needed to get help,” it gives others permission to be brave, too.

A few things to hold onto:

• Success doesn’t mean everything feels okay inside.
• Kids don’t always show us when they’re struggling.
• Feeling seen and supported can make all the difference.

Her message reaches far beyond the National Championship  she and her UCLA teammates earned on Sunday. 

It’s a powerful call to keep the door open for conversation and for support for whatever our kids might be carrying.

I Want To Be Here by Lauren Betts