Finding Peace and Purpose: Will Martin's Journey Through Mental Health Advocacy and Pickleball

4/27/2024

A Glimmer of Hope

In a world where the pressures of daily life can weigh heavily on our shoulders, finding moments of peace and purpose can feel like a distant, unattainable dream.

Yet, for Will Martin, co-founder of Mental Health Awareness Athletics and Side-Out Pickleball, these moments of peace and purpose were discovered in the most unexpected of places – on the pickleball court.

Battling Major Depression

Will's story begins with the all-too-familiar battle against major depression, a journey marked by pain, darkness, and uncertainty. According to the CDC, one in five individuals struggle with mental health issues. You rub shoulders with them every day, yet you may never know it.

Amidst the chaos of his inner turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerged when he reluctantly stepped onto the pickleball court. Thank goodness for his loving parents who had been playing ball for a while and encouraged Will to go with them one day!

Listen Now

Pickleball:
An Unexpected Refuge

In those moments of play, Will found not only an escape from his troubles but also a newfound sense of peace and purpose. As he continued to immerse himself in the world of pickleball, he discovered that this seemingly simple sport held the key to unlocking a brighter future.

Playing pickleball meant being outside and enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and hefty doses of Vitamin D. It meant eating better to play better. The endorphins began to flow, and Will began to feel better in all ways! Positive social interaction and camaraderie provided the perfect outlet to beat isolation and listlessness. Second to this, Will began to take those thoughts captive which for too long had held him prisoner. Something exciting began to happen.

The tide had shifted.

Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

But Will's journey didn't end there. Inspired by his own experiences, he embarked on a mission to raise awareness about mental health and support others who were struggling in silence. Through Mental Health Awareness Athletics and Side-Out Pickleball, he found a platform to advocate for change, to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness, and to offer a beacon of hope to those in need.

Will promotes the hashtag #StopTheStigma and has partnered with Diadem in designing the first mental health awareness pickleball paddle. The logo incorporates a green ribbon for mental health awareness and a semicolon as a symbol of support and unity for individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues. The heart reminds you that you are loved and you can love yourself and others through your pain.

Sharing Hope and Healing

In his interview on the Choose 2 Think Podcast, Will Martin shares insights into his personal journey, the transformative power of pickleball, and his vision for a world where mental health is prioritized and supported.

Through his candid and heartfelt storytelling, you are invited to reflect on your own struggles, find strength in vulnerability, and embrace the journey from pain to purpose. God is not done with you yet! He will turn ashes into beauty. Just wait!

Finding Light in the Darkness

As you listen to Will's story, you'll be reminded that even in your darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to guide you forward. You are not alone in your suffering. God is always with you. He has plans for you and a brighter future! Whether it's on the pickleball court or in the depths of your own mind, you, too, can partner with your Heavenly Father who will give you His power to find peace, purpose, and healing – one "swing," one step at a time.

Will and his lovely bride-to-be, Amber. The ongoing support, love, and sheer grit of those loved ones attempting to help their family members as they suffer from mental health disorders can never be underestimated in value and importance.

Sparking Change Together

Join us in celebrating Will Martin's journey and his unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. Together, let's choose to think differently, to embrace hope, and to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported on their path to wellness. Let's #StopTheStigma.

Please listen to Will's inspiring interview on the Choose 2 Think Podcast and join the conversation about mental health, pickleball, and the power of purpose. Together, we can make a difference. Press play below to view the entire episode on YouTube and be sure to subscribe to the channel. Leave a comment for Will to let him know how his story has encouraged you!

CONNECT WITH WILL

www.sideout-pickleball.com
www.mhaathletics.com

Tap the image above to take a peek inside this recently released devo designed to improve your game AND your marriage in 21 days!