Injury is one of the highest risk factors for depression among youth athletes. An athlete whose identity is strongly tied to their sport is also at higher risk for developing mental health concerns, especially when experiencing injury. They can lose their primary sense of self and the dreams, expectations and benefits that go along with their athletic identity.

Joining me today is Camden Blum, a freshman at Babson College. Throughout his high school career, he endured an abundance of medical issues. He developed a breathing condition that went undiagnosed for a year and a half, until he was sent to National Jewish Hospital in Denver where he was diagnosed with exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction. During the entire process he had 17 different medicines, 17 different doctors, and 15 different procedures. One of the 17 medicines was a pill gabapentin which has a side effect of suicidal thoughts. With his mental health already struggling, receiving that side effect made it even worse. Then a month later he separated his left shoulder in a hockey game necessitating surgery. Fast forward another year he dislocated the same shoulder, needing another surgery, putting him out of the sport he loved, hockey. His mental health took a major toll due to these medical issues and it was extremely hard for him to vocalize it.

 After his second surgery he created The Simple Emotions clothing company to raise awareness for mental health. The clothing allows you to show how you feel without saying a word!  You can buy some great merch at:  https://thesimpleemotions.shop

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