In recent years, college and professional athletes have started speaking out about mental health, a topic that has not been openly discussed in the past. We are now learning from high school student athletes how they are struggling with schoolwork, the pressure of sports, and lack of down time to simply be teenagers.
Kate Simonet knows that this struggle is all too real. The Real. You. Foundation President, Beth Kelsey, sat down with Kate to discuss her book and how she hopes to share her story with the world. As a high school senior, varsity captain in three sports, and voted best female athlete at her high school, Kate was living the American dream. Her candidness in her book Out of the Darkness brings mental health to the forefront of what it is like to juggle it all, what it is like to attempt to power through to not let people down, and what it’s like to break due to the pressure. Kate shares her raw experience and how hitting rock bottom was the only saving grace to pull herself Out of the Darkness! Order a copy of Kate’s book from Amazon today!
When did you first realize you wanted to tell your story?
For the past two years, my therapist encouraged me to write a book. He pointed out that I have come far in my self development and live such a happy, successful life. I've implemented such positive coping techniques and what good is it long term if I don't share my story with the world? I reached a point where I was very accepting of my past and I really don't want anyone else to feel the isolation and pain that I felt. I decided to share my story to help other people know that they are not alone and that there is hope and finding happiness again is very possible.
What do you hope to share with the world?
I did not have many expectations when I first decided to publish. I told myself that even if I just sold a handful of books and could help improve just one person's quality of life and/or save one life, it would all be worth it to me. I never imagined I would touch as many people as I have and get such positive feedback. I spoke at a high school a couple weeks ago and was told that a short time after sharing my story, a handful of students asked to see the school therapist moving forward. This truly touched me because this is why I did it. I don't want other teens or adults suffering in silence.
What was the hardest part of the book to write?
I think the hardest part of writing the book was putting myself out there and being honest about some of my dark thoughts. I did not want to share what it was like to experience suicide ideation because it is an uncomfortable and scary topic to discuss, and it makes me very vulnerable. But I knew that if I wanted to make an impact, it was important to share my full experience and do so honestly.
Who inspired you growing up?
I had a lot of support and role models growing up. I would say my inspiration was my Grandpa. He taught me so many positive life lessons and was just an overall very good, hardworking, caring, and wise man. He truly was my hero. He was my inspiration for naming my business "Choosing Happiness." He told me that happiness is a choice. "Life isn't always easy but it is what we make of it, and I choose happiness."
What advice would you give your younger self if you could?
There is so much I wish that I could go back and tell my younger self. I experienced depression for the first time as a senior in high school and I didn't understand what was happening to me or how to voice my feelings. I wish I could tell my younger self that my feelings and pain were not my fault and it's a good thing to ask for help and share my feelings honestly.
I would also tell my younger self that there is life after sports. In high school and college my life revolved around sports. I am so thankful I had the experiences that I had as an athlete. So much of what I learned as an athlete, I've carried into my adult life. Leaving sports was really difficult for me because I felt like I lost my identity. I would tell my younger self that there is life after sports and life is just as exciting once you become an adult.
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