Episode 29 - Cailin Bracken

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat and Schuyler talk to Cailin Bracken. Cailin (Kay-leen) grew up in New Jersey playing lacrosse and committed to play at Vanderbilt, where she is now a sophomore. Starting in her senior year of high school, Cailin dealt with depression and disordered eating. A week into preseason of her senior lacrosse season, it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Like many other moments later in her life, she took the time to reflect and focus on her mental health. Although she continued to deal with difficult mental health challenges into her freshman year of college, along with a concussion and hard choices surrounding whether or not to continue playing lacrosse, Cailin’s self-awareness, radical gratitude, and amazing support system are some of the things that not only got her through those moments, but became even stronger during them. She is one of the most open and vulnerable guests we have had the pleasure of talking with, which is reflected also in her wellness Instagram account @Kalewithcail, and blog ownyourstory.community where she uses her love for writing to encourage others to share their stories.