OUR MISSION
At Breaking Barriers, we are an advocacy group committed to raising awareness about mental health in sports and challenging the stigma that keeps athletes suffering in silence. Mental health is a critical issue that too often goes unnoticed, especially within the demanding world of athletics. We’re here to change that, bringing these conversations to the forefront, and giving athletes the courage and space to speak up.We believe that vulnerability is a strength, and that speaking up is one of the most powerful acts of courage an athlete can make. By fostering open, stigma-free dialogue, we aim to help athletes reclaim their mental well-being. This is more than just a movement; it’s a mindset shift that empowers individuals to prioritize mental health without shame or fear. Our mission is rooted in a deep commitment to EXPRESS, EDUCATE, and COMBAT. We aim to express the realities of mental health struggles, educate both athletes and the public on the importance of mental well-being, and combat the harmful stigma surrounding mental health in sports culture. Breaking Barriers is more than an organization, it’s a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who have suffered in silence, and helping others understand how they can offer support. We’re focused on bringing these essential conversations to the global stage, fundraising for resources, and advocating for systemic change in how athletes’ mental health is treated. Through these efforts, we will continue to break down barriers and build a world where mental health is valued just as much as physical health.
Express
We believe that every individual deserves a space where they can speak openly and honestly about their mental health struggles without fear of judgment or being seen as weak. We understand that for athletes, the pressure to perform and "push through" can silence the voice of vulnerability, leaving them feeling isolated and unheard. Our mission is to break that silence.
We provide a platform for athletes to share their stories, their challenges, and their triumphs, knowing that they are supported by a community that values their mental health. We’re not just creating a space to talk; we’re cultivating an environment where athletes can feel empowered to embrace vulnerability as a form of strength.We are passionate about initiating those “uncomfortable” but absolutely necessary conversations, ones that confront the stigma head-on and make it easier for people to speak up about their mental health. By amplifying voices and ensuring that everyone’s experiences are heard, we hope to create a ripple effect of openness and understanding that encourages others to share their own stories. In doing so, we aim to break the walls of silence that have held athletes back for far too long, and help create a world where speaking out is seen as an act of courage, not weakness.
Educate
Knowledge is power, and we are committed to educating the world about the mental health crisis. We aim to shed light on the unique challenges athletes face and spark meaningful conversations that drive both understanding and action.
By exposing these realities, we hope to break the stigma surrounding mental health in sports culture, offering a clearer view of what life as a student-athlete truly entails. Our mission is to educate not just athletes, but also coaches, athletic programs, and society at large. We want to offer a new perspective,where mental health is recognized as strong.
We are passionate about creating a community that is constantly learning, growing, and challenging one another to prioritize mental health. Through education, we can make lasting change, ensuring that athletes have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Combat
The silent crisis of mental health demands more than just conversation, it calls for a revolution in how we approach mental health. Breaking Barriers is here to do more than add to the conversation. We are determined to break the outdated beliefs and stigmas that have long held athletes and individuals in general captive in silence. Our goal is not only to challenge the stigma but to create real, lasting change at every level, from the individual to the community, from interpersonal relationships to the very systems that govern society. We are committed to transforming how we view, treat, and talk about mental health. It’s time to break free from the old narratives that shame those who seek help, and instead, we are paving the way for a culture of understanding, support, and action.This fight is for everyone, for those who are struggling and those who don’t yet have the voice to speak up. It’s a call to stand together, to challenge outdated norms, and to fight for a world where mental health is treated with the care and respect it deserves.
We are asking you to join us, to fight with us: not just for awareness, but for true change. Together, we will shift the culture, break down barriers, and build a healthier, more supportive future where every athlete, and every individual, can thrive.
