My Battle With Depression, My Fight to Get to the Olympics

This past four years, leading into what is now going to be my fourth Winter Olympic Games, was a challenge, to say the least. A crash I had at the 2014 Sochi Games took me out of sport for two years following the Olympics. I was lost; at the time I didn’t know where my personality or sparkle had gone.

Looking back, my only goal at that time was to wake up with no headaches. I fought through my doubts, fears and Dr.s telling me to retire. I put on a show, pretending that I was fine, when deep down I knew something was different. I battled to get through the dark times, all the while trying to stay positive, if not for me, for my family.

Asking For Help

I grew up as a girl that would “do it all by myself”, when I was recovering my only regret was that I didn’t ask for help in the beginning. I had to set small goals to get back to sport. The smallest goals; to help get me out of bed in the morning, to get better at walking again, to push through and be able to socialize with more than one person. Although it was an exhausting fight, I battled through the darkness and realize looking back I was depressed. 

Sharing Your Story

I started sharing my story with friends, it broke down a lot of barriers, it made me realize I was not alone. We are not by ourselves; we are not the only ones dealing with depression. I share my story to help others understand that we are not alone. Some days I’m lost, someday I’m driven, I still have to set a goal to get out of bed in the morning. I know I will always battle depression, but I’m ready to fight it.

#bellLet’sTalkDay

Please join me on January 31st 2018, #bellLet’sTalkDay They’ve started a conversation about mental health. Now, let’s take it one step further. Let’s fight to end the stigma surrounding mental illness.

My story:

I’ve shared my story with the help of Team Canada and Bell’s platforms. 

Youtube Link here

Twitter Link here

After a crash at Sochi 2014 @mercedesnicoll began suffering from depression, but with the help of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and @Bell_LetsTalk, she's ready to take on #PyeongChang2018. #BellLetsTalk | #TeamCanada pic.twitter.com/lyNQPSMEOj

— Team Canada (@TeamCanada) January 30, 2018

Facebook Link here

 

In her own words link to here

xoxo

Mercedes