Ivy Watts Brings Her Story Of Mental Health Awareness To Milton

MILTON, MA — Breaking the stigma of mental illness, and how anxiety and the pressure to succeed affects students and athletes, will be the themes of the next Promoting Awareness and Resources for the Emotional Nurturing of Teens event in Milton. Waltham High alumna and former University of New Haven All-American track and field standout Ivy Watts will share her story of how she fought the fear of failure, and now helps others battle anxiety through self-love and empowerment.

Milton Public Schools and the Milton Substance Abuse Coalition will present "Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness: How You Can Make a Difference" at Milton High Tuesday at 7.

Watts was a standout track and field athlete at Waltham High who went on to become an All-American and NCAA Woman of the Year selection at New Haven. But through all her achievement on the track, and in the classroom, she found herself increasingly fearful that she was constantly falling short of expectations and letting those around her down. She kept her anxiety mostly to herself for years out of fear those close to her would not be understanding or supportive.

But once Watts recognized her anxiety issues, and began to embrace therapy and self-love, she said she found not only was she happier, but that her story could help others seek out similar support. She began the "Beautifully Simply You — Loving yourself is life's best dance move!" blogand has traveled the country giving talks to high school and college students, athletes and coaches.

Watts has her Master's in Public Health and is mental health first aid certified.

Tuesday's event is aimed at helping parents, guardians, teachers and coaches recognize the warning signs of mental health issues, initiate conversations and provide support and resources to children, students and athletes. It is open to all in the community and is recommended for students 10 years old or older.