Thank You, Morgan’s Message
Dear Morgan’s Message and The Mental Matchup Community,
Phew. What a couple of years it’s been. I had hoped Morgan’s Message would grow to where it is today, but I didn’t think such exponential growth was possible in four years. I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact Morgan’s Message has had on my life and express my gratitude to all of you who have been part of this journey. When we started Morgan’s Message in July 2020, we were all still grieving the passing of Morgan, the mid-pandemic world was in a unique state (there are many other phrases I would use to describe it, but this seems the most appropriate) and I was navigating my own personal life. It was a time when I had to realign my compass, especially as I had just moved out of a city I thought was my dream, only to find myself searching for “what’s next.” As you can imagine, there was a lot going on all at once.
When we launched Morgan’s Message, I was unsure how it would be received, especially at my alma mater and among my former teammates. Upon reflecting, I can’t help but wonder if this was simply internal turmoil that had no standing in reality. We all had different experiences with mental health and often approached these conversations from varying perspectives. Being part of an incredible mission was empowering and equally daunting, but I knew deep down that talking about mental health was not just important—it was necessary. The fear I had of opening up about mental health on a bigger stage slowly started to fade, replaced by the hope that these discussions could foster healing, understanding, and connection.
In the four years since then, I’ve had over 140 conversations with unique individuals about mental health on our podcast and even more in passing. Through these conversations, I’ve learned not only about the complexities of mental health but also about myself. I’ve been forced to confront deeper questions: Who am I? What brings me joy? What makes me sad? Who do I want to be? What kind of people do I want to surround myself with? These are some questions I still ask myself daily, and, in full transparency, sometimes I grapple with the answers. I’ve learned that knowledge of oneself is ever-changing and tends to ebb and flow as life goes on—there’s some beauty in this that we can all lean into. Who you are today doesn’t mean it’s who you will be tomorrow.
My journey with mental health is far from linear. I’ve experienced depression, anxiety, panic attacks and suicidal ideation. I’d like to say I’ve mastered the tools I use to manage my own mental health, but the reality is that I’m still learning. I’d like to consider myself a champion for mental health, yet I’d be lying if I said I don’t sometimes feel like a fraud. Those moments when I wonder, “Will this person judge me for talking about my experience with depression? Does this person think I’m nuts?” still creeps in, reminding me that even as an advocate, I’m not immune to the stigma or self-doubt that often surrounds these discussions. Through these feelings and conversations, I’ve come to find that those who feel uncomfortable having these conversations are the ones who need them the most.
But here’s what I’ve come to understand: we all have work to do when it comes to mental health, and that work starts with ourselves. It’s about acknowledging the tough stuff—those raw, uncomfortable truths—and finding hope in the vulnerability of sharing them with others. This journey has taught me that the fear of talking about mental health can be surpassed by the profound hope that comes from discussing it openly. There’s a freedom in acknowledging that it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s more than okay; we should celebrate those brave and vulnerable enough who are asking for help.
Morgan’s Message has been more than just a platform for mental health advocacy; it has been a lifeline for me personally. Through the ups and downs of the past few years—getting a puppy during the pandemic, moving to Boston, meeting my now fiancé, losing a grandparent, watching my sister graduate and begin a graduate program, witnessing friends get married, and having close friendships begin and end—I’ve realized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and encourage you to be your most authentic self. I’ve experienced the beauty of love and support from both familiar faces and complete strangers, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
We are all on this journey together, and Morgan’s Message has shown me that none of us have to walk it alone. Thank you for being part of this community and for making these conversations possible. Together, we can continue to break down the barriers, challenge the stigma, and create a space where mental health is not just talked about but embraced with compassion, understanding, and hope.
With love and gratitude,
Kat
Morgan’s Message Co-Founder
