Cayman’s first Olympic gymnast, Raegan Rutty, on a recent visit home for spring break, took time from her holiday to speak with several schools about the successes and struggles she has experienced through gymnastics, while also opening up to the Cayman Compass about her own mental health battles.
Rutty, 20, a sophomore at the University of Florida, is studying psychology and coaching.
“I want to teach people the impact that mental health has on a person,” Rutty told the Compass. “I also want people to know that no matter where you come from, you can accomplish amazing things.”
She spoke with students from Montessori by the Sea, St. Ignatius Catholic School, and Grace Christian Academy while she was home earlier this month.
The artistic gymnast has represented the Cayman Islands at major competitions – the Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, World Championships and 2020 Summer Olympics.
“I used my struggles and journey through my gymnastics career to inspire these young Caymanians to go after their dreams,” she said.
A survey carried out by the National Drug Council between 3 Feb. and 3 March 2020, showed that one in six high school students within Cayman had contemplated suicide. Within the last four months, there have been three deaths from suicide, with the youngest victim 16 years old.
Rutty said that being away from home from a young age, along with balancing school and training, while also dealing with personal issues, took a toll on her mental state.
“I struggled a lot,” she said. “Through these hardships, I learned a lot of important lessons and grew stronger as a person. I learned that life is all about how you react to it, whether you want to respond to something negatively or positively.”
She pleaded to anyone suffering from mental health issues to find help, and spoke to how she coped.
“My greatest advice to those who are struggling is to get the help you need. For me, this was journaling, Bible studies and seeing a therapist. It is important to be able to express your emotions and what is going on inside your mind, in order to cope and deal with them in the best way possible.”
In addition to talking at the three schools, Rutty has regularly used her social media platforms to bring awareness to mental health issues and had an earlier opportunity to share her own battles during a Rotary Club lunch meeting.
“I previously spoke with the Rotary Club… [about] mental health in the Cayman Islands,” she said. “It is a growing issue that we need to continue to address before it’s too late. Obviously on Instagram, I am not only able to impact Caymanians but people all over the world.”
With child mental health issues in the Cayman Islands “significantly increasing” over the last two years, as reported by the Compass earlier this month, Rutty said her aim is to “partner with [the Rotary Club] to set up some sort of programme to help those in Cayman and all over the world who are seeking [mental health] help”.
Rutty returned to Florida 13 March, where she will continue her studies as well as coach young gymnasts ranging from ages 4 to 18.
For information on mental health support groups and related services, click here.
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Incredibly wise young woman. This is a massively important topic. In the unprecedented times we have all experienced these past two years plus, we need more advocates and brave individuals helping others see they can get help. Never under estimate the power and value of having others listen and be supportive. Very proud of Ms. Raegan.