In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Brett Kramer shares her journey of merging her passions for sports and mental health into her role as the Director of 'Kicking the Stigma' with the Indianapolis Colts. Brett discusses her personal experiences with anxiety as a student-athlete at Michigan State, the pressures faced by today's athletes, and the critical importance of addressing mental health in sports. She provides insights into the work being done to reduce stigma, the financial pressures on athletes, and the necessity of asking genuine questions about well-being. This episode is a valuable conversation for families, athletes, and anyone involved in sports looking to support mental health and performance.

You'll Hear About

• Brett's journey from student-athlete to Director of Kicking the Stigma with the Indianapolis Colts

• The mental health challenges athletes face both on and off the field

• How open conversations can reduce stigma and create real change

• The pressures of youth and college sports, and advice for parents supporting their athletes

• Why mental health is just as vital to performance as physical training

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:11 Brett Kramer's Journey to the Colts

01:38 Combining Passions: Sports and Mental Health

05:21 High School Athletic Experience

07:57 College Challenges and Mental Health

14:55 Parental Pressure and Youth Sports

20:32 Advice for Parents and Athletes

27:16 Identity Beyond Athletics

28:14 Reflecting on Identity Beyond Sports

29:47 Managing Mental Health in College Athletics

32:09 The Struggle with Performance Anxiety

34:39 The Intersection of Mental Health and Performance

44:44 Kicking the Stigma: Mental Health Initiatives

50:32 Advice for Supporting Young Athletes

Chuck's Challenge:

Who around you might be suffering in silence? Whether it's a colleague, a friend, or even yourself — reach out. This week, show someone that mental health matters by checking in, offering support, or simply listening.

Connect with Brett:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brettkramer07/?hl=en

X: https://x.com/brettkramer_07?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickingthestigma/?hl=en

X: https://x.com/kickingstigma?lang=en

Connect with Chuck: Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.