All About Morgan's Message
What sport did Morgan play in college?
Lacrosse
Mental fatigue can reduce physical performance even if your body feels fine.
Fact. It affects decision making, reaction time, and overall cognitive processes.
This is something athletes should do after practice or games to help their mind and body recover.
Rest/recovery
If a teammate seems stressed or down, what should you do?
check in and ask how they are doing.
This is what it’s called when a player carries the ball into the "end" zone and touches it down for points.
try
What is the goal of Morgan's Message?
Morgan’s Message® is a 501(c)(3) that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.
We aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.
Seeing a therapist means something is wrong with you
Myth, many athletes see our sports psychologist to improve preformance
This simple habit—getting enough of it—helps with focus, mood, and performance.
This is often more helpful than giving advice when a teammate is struggling.
listening
This open play situation occurs after a tackle when players compete on their feet for possession.
ruck
What is the slogan of Morgan's Message?
Taking a shot at mental health
Asking someone if they are considering suicide will make them more upset and give them the idea to take their own life
myth!! Often times someone considering suicide will feel relief after confiding in friend/professional knowing they aren't struggling alone. You also can't "give someone the idea" if they are not considering suicide by asking the question.
This hormone increases during stress and can affect recovery if levels stay high too long.
Cortisol
This action shows you care without needing to say much—like a nod, eye contact, or checking in after practice.
Showing support
This formation is used to restart play after certain stoppages, where players pack together and push for the ball.
scrum
What struggles did Morgan face as a college athlete that lead to her suffering from mental health?
In January 2017, just before the beginning of her sophomore season, Morgan endured a dream-shattering knee injury. She spent the next 12 months determined to return to the field, undergoing surgery and dedicating herself to an intensive rehabilitation program. Morgan struggled with this abrupt change because she felt she had lost control within her life. As a result, Morgan’s self-worth plummeted. While she presented a strong, happy and resilient face to her community, she grappled with feeling that she was not living up to her expectations. Her feelings of isolation from the team and stress caused by other relationship issues accelerated the return of anxiety and depression. This time, Morgan chose to suffer in silence, keeping family and friends in the dark as she battled her mental health.
As a result, Morgan died by suicide July 11, 2019 at the age of 22.
Pre-game routines work mainly because of superstition.
Myth. Pre game routines help regulate attention and anxiety.
This mindset helps athletes see mistakes, losses, and setbacks as chances to improve instead of failures.
Growth mindset
This is why making jokes about mental health in a locker room can be harmful to teammates.
Discourages teammates from opening up and reinforces the stigma
After a yellow card in rugby, a player is temporarily removed from play for 10 minutes and sent to this area.
sin bin
What is the meaning of the butterfly logo?
Our logo was derived from Morgan’s artwork and inspired by her love of teal. At her memorial we all noticed we were surrounded by butterflies — that would continue to appear when we needed them most. We all believe it’s Morgan’s way of reminding us she’s here, showing us love and support always. Lastly, the semi-colon is used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction and other mental health challenges.
Anxiety/stress is good for performance.
Fact. Moderate, short-term anxiety/stress is good for performance because it activates our "fight or flight" response controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. This type of stress is called eustress which allows our bodies to have an "on switch" to release adrenaline allowing you to be ready to perform. However, too much anxiety where the sympathetic nervous system is overactivated can lead to a decrease in performance.
This part of the brain is heavily involved in the fight-or-flight response during stressful moments in competition.
Amygdala
True or false:
If a teammate may be seriously struggling, and making statements like "I just want to fall asleep and never wake up" or "I'd be better off dead", but asks you to keep their secret, you should keep their secret in confidence and not tell anyone else.
FALSE. You should always encourage them to seek professional help and tell a professional you are concerned about your teammate/friend because they have been struggling.
What is the difference between 7's and 15's? (# of players and how long the game last) Which is our main competitive season?
In 7's there are 7 players on the field and the games last 14 minutes. In 15's there are 15 players on the field and the games last 80 minutes. 15's is our main competitive season, in the fall