Finding strength in community: Heather’s mental health journey

In light of new research from Special Olympic Games Health published in JAMA network opened, Renee Deasea long-standing member of the Special Olympics movement, sat down with me Wisconsin Special Olympics athlete and Health messengerHeather Holland, to talk about mental health, stigma and the power of community. Watch their conversation below.

This month I spoke with Heather Holland about her mental health journey and why mental health is important to her. Heather has been an athlete since 2009 and enjoys competing in basketball, flag football and weightlifting.

Over time, Heather’s confidence and leadership skills grew through participation in Special Olympics Athlete Leadership and participating in the Athlete Leadership Councilshe was encouraged to take classes to become a Special Olympics Health Messenger. Health Messengers are athletes trained to serve as health and wellness leaders, educators, advocates and role models within their Special Olympics communities.

Heather has been a Health Messenger since 2021 and has been a mental health advocate for 15 years. Her motivation for becoming a Health Messenger was to promote mental health through the Special Olympics; and through this she learned more about herself. When asked what mental health means to her, Heather responded, “Mental health is important to me; I deal with it every day. Sometimes it gets hard to figure out what I need to get back on track, but I find extra sleep and taking breaks helps.”

Heather suffers from bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and she spoke openly about the challenges she faced in healthcare, including being misunderstood.

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was when Heather talked about the role Special Olympics plays in her life. “Participating in Special Olympics has been good for my mental health: I have a great support group, fellow athletes, coaches, case managers, Special Olympics Wisconsin staff and volunteers, and since my mother passed away, everyone has been there for me. I really appreciate my Special Olympics family.”

In our conversation, she explained how many people underestimate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and how important it is for healthcare providers to listen to people with IDD.

Too often, the needs of people with IDD are overlooked, leaving many unable to live their healthiest lives. New research from JAMA network opened highlights the significant mental health disparities and barriers faced by adults with IDD in the United States.

Compared to adults without functional limitations, adults with IDD are:

• More than nine times more likely to report a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression.
• 18 times more likely to report symptoms of daily depression.
• Seven times more likely take medication for anxiety.
• Almost nine times more likely taking medication for depression; And
• More than five times more likely to report that you cannot access the required therapy due to costs.

The study’s findings reveal critical gaps in care and the urgent need to improve access to mental health care. Special Olympics is working to close these gaps Special Olympic Games strong minds.

Heather is an advocate and leader for her fellow athletes and encourages them to attend Strong Minds. Strong Minds, the mental health discipline of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, offers one interactive learning activity aimed at developing adaptive coping skills for Special Olympics athletes and people with IDD. When Heather is stressed, she practices deep breathing, shares daily affirmations, and listens to music.

Visit JAMA network opened for more information about the study and its findings.

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