Stanford Star Lauren Betts Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles
Stanford Star Lauren Betts Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles...
Stanford women's basketball standout Lauren Betts has sparked national conversation after speaking candidly about her battle with depression during her freshman season. The 6'7" center revealed her struggles in a raw social media post Monday, coinciding with the NCAA Women's Final Four where she watched former teammates compete.
Betts, who transferred to UCLA last year, described experiencing overwhelming anxiety and depression shortly after arriving at Stanford in 2022. "I felt completely alone even in a locker room full of teammates," she wrote on Instagram. The post has garnered over 50,000 likes and thousands of supportive comments from athletes and fans.
The timing of Betts' revelation comes during heightened awareness around student-athlete mental health. Last week, the NCAA released new guidelines requiring schools to provide mental health services for athletes. Betts' story gained traction as March Madness spotlighted the pressures facing college basketball players.
Stanford Athletics confirmed they provided Betts with counseling resources during her time with the program. "We take mental health as seriously as physical injuries," a spokesperson told ESPN. Betts acknowledged the support but emphasized the difficulty of seeking help while maintaining elite performance standards.
Mental health experts praise Betts for breaking the stigma in women's sports. Dr. Jessica Bartley, director of NCAA mental health, told The Athletic: "When high-profile athletes share their stories, it gives permission for others to come forward." The NCAA reports depression rates among female college athletes are nearly double the general student population.
Betts' former Stanford teammates have rallied behind her. All-American Cameron Brink tweeted: "So proud of you for speaking your truth." The post has been shared by mental health organizations including NAMI, which reports a 300% increase in crisis calls from young female athletes this year.
The Colorado native is now thriving at UCLA, where she averages 14.8 points per game. She credits therapy, medication, and UCLA's mental health program with her recovery. "I want every athlete to know it's okay not to be okay," Betts wrote in her viral post that continues to resonate across sports communities.
