Sasha Wolff: Still I Run - Mental Health Warriors - R4R 265

When Sasha Wolff discovered the benefits of running for mental health, she wanted to connect with others who did the same thing.  She couldn’t find an existing group, so she created her own, Still I Run.  What began as a Facebook page and website is now a non-profit charity and a community of runners over 16,000 strong. “The biggest stat out there is one in five Americans will be diagnosed every single year with a mental illness.”  Even if you’re not affected, the odds are that you know somebody who is.  Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. “Mental illness doesn't care where you are in life,” Sasha says.  “It doesn't care how happy you are.  It just happens. It's like when you get a cold out of the blue or you break your leg unexpectedly, or you have a heart attack. You don't plan for those things, they just happen.” “Once I finally started taking that proactive approach, that's when things started to get better for me.”  When Sasha was first diagnosed with depression, she was given a prescription for Prozac and sent on her way.  That didn’t work, and since then she’s learned the necessity of proactively managing mental health.  She has three tools in her mental health toolbox:  running, medication, and therapy.  “I'm hoping that this conversation really explodes into something bigger because we need the support system now.” Alexi Pappas was one of the first professional athletes to discuss mental health.  Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka raised awareness further when they stepped away from competition this year.  Sasha applauds them:  “I think when you have voices like that come forward, it inspires others to come forward, which is why I've decided to be vulnerable about my own story because you hope it at least helps one other person.” “It does kind of help you feel like you're part of something larger than yourself.” The Starting Line Scholarship helps people overcome the barriers they may have to running.  “So our hope,” Sasha says, “is that by awarding this scholarship, we're giving you all the tools that you need to get started with this lifelong habit of running for mental health.” “Lead with empathy.” Sasha realizes that “it’s really hard to understand mental illness because it's not something you can see. It's not something you can really understand unless you talk to someone who may have a mental health disorder.”  The best thing that you can do if you know someone with a mental illness is to be empathetic.  If you’re struggling yourself, know that you’re not alone. RESOURCES: Still I Run website Run.Write.Fight. Starting Line Scholarship Still I Run Facebook Still I Run Instagram Dear Therapists podcast Tina's Together Runs   Thank you to Athletic Greens, goodr, and Picky Bars for sponsoring this episode. Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to make and it tastes good, as well.  Go here to get a FREE year supply of Liquid Vitamin D and five FREE travel packs with your subscription. I have been a fan of goodr for YEARS and I literally have their sunglasses all over my house. I recently had an episode with co-founder Stephen Lease where he talks about the true and real story behind his company and I appreciate him being honest with me about it. The design behind these sunglasses really takes into consideration look and comfort. They are 100% carbon neutral and a part of 1% for the Planet.   Go here and use the code TINA15 for 15% off your order. I am thrilled to be sponsored by Picky Bars! I have had a few people from the Picky Bars company on the podcast and I am happy to say that their ideals are right in line with what Running for Real stands for. These bars are not only delicious, but made of real food and are made for sport, imagine that…. They're gluten, soy, gmo, and dairy free, with even some vegan options.  Click here for 20% off AND you can also get an additional 20% off your order if you purchase a Picky Club membership. A membership entitles you to build your own Picky Club Box, delivered every month. Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, and we are honored you have chosen Running For Real.  If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that the topic will resonate with them.  Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are others are too, and you will help them feel less alone.  Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player. Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe?  You can find out here. "Thank you" to Sasha.  We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.