Hailey Van Lith reveals her struggles with mental health during basketball career

In the United States, Hailey Van Lith, a prominent guard for the TCU women's basketball team, publicly spoke about her struggles with mental health after a recent victory in March Madness. Recognized for her success on the court, Van Lith revealed that she battled feelings of suicide and was heavily medicated during her earlier years in college athletics. Her experiences with mental health were exacerbated by the pressures of social media stardom that she faced at a young age, impacting her well-being despite her achievements and recognition in the sport. During an emotionally charged moment after a game, she expressed her journey from despair to hope, stating that she had been praying for guidance on when to share her testimony. She stressed that her struggles were not evident to outsiders due to the facade of success she maintained in public. Van Lith reflected on the turning point of her personal journey, marked by the suicide of Stanford goalie Katie Meyer in March 2022, which prompted her to seek help and focus on her mental wellness. As she prepares for the Sweet 16 round of the women's NCAA Tournament for the fifth season in a row, Van Lith feels grateful to have a platform to share her story. She expressed the importance of her narrative in helping others who may resonate with her experiences. Her public acknowledgment of mental health issues demonstrates a significant step towards encouraging open and honest discussions about mental health in sports, aiming to alleviate the stigma surrounding it. Having previously played at Louisville before transferring to LSU and then TCU, where she contributed to a historic Big 12 Championship win, Van Lith’s story serves as an inspiration. She stated that through prayer and faith, she has been able to overcome serious challenges and aspire to spread positivity and understanding about mental health. Her commitment to sharing her journey is part of her desire to foster a supportive environment for others facing similar struggles.