Show notes
** This episode of Amongst The Waves comes with a trigger warning **A retired competitive surfer on the WQS, Jess Grimwood has been honest about her battles within her mental health, and her recovery which has led her to become a commentator for the Surfing NSW and the WSL. But more than that Jess is a passionate supporter of women finding their pathway in the world of competitive surfing be that as an athlete or working in a role within the industry that supports women athletes.In this episode of Amongst The Waves Jess and I have a deep and candid conversation about life on the tour, the challenges she faced in supporting herself financially to stay on the tour and how with the support of her family she has come back from the brink of death, to find a reason to live.We discuss what it means to advocate for yourself in a system that is often not willing to listen to the patient, as well as what it took for her to design her own recovery.We also talk about the pressures within the highly structured and high pressure environment of being a firefighter, and the subsequent trauma Jess experienced as the result of being a first responder.IN THIS EPISODE:● Who is Jess? (0:56)● Mental health aspect in surfing (11:34)● Different pathways and opportunities for athletes (15:24)● The start of Jess’ surfing journey (23:41)● The fall of Jess’ mental health (31:01)● Manipulation as a prominent part of mental health problems (33:42)● The worst time for Jess (37:41)● How Jess recovered (1:02:35)● Meditation vs Medication (1:05:04)● Factors that helped Jess to get through her mental health challenge (1:10:36)● Where Jess is now (1:15:42)● Surfing program (1:19:35)● Advice to young athlete women about mental health (1:21:55)* All opinions expressed in this conversation are individual and should not be used as a prescription for your own mental health.Neither Jess nor I are qualified medical practitioners and cannot take responsibility for actions taken as a result of this podcast.If you are concerned for your own health or for someone you love, you should consult with your own medical professionals or call lifeline on 13 11 14.You can find jess on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jessgrimwood/?hl=enYou can find Tanya across all social media and at:www.rawheartandsoul.com
