This week, Jessalynn welcomes Wes Rypien, the older brother of the late Vancouver Canuck and NHL player Rick Rypien, who tragically ended his life in 2011 after a prolonged battle with mental illness. In his first ever podcast appearance, Wes shares not only Rick's story but also his own journey of coping and understanding, aiming to change the conversation around mental health, particularly in the context of sports. Today, Wes advocates for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of education and support at the youth level in sports to equip young athletes with the necessary tools before they reach professional levels. Wes's story serves as an important reminder of the ongoing need to destigmatize mental health discussions, ensuring that future generations of athletes-and all individuals-can freely express and manage their mental wellbeing. If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟