How a Canadian cliff diver used empowering messages to help overcome mental health struggle

Several years ago, Molly Carlson was known for her perfectly captured and edited pictures on Instagram, portraying what seemed like a perfect life. However, behind the scenes, Carlson was struggling with a binge-eating disorder, anxiety, and body dysmorphia disorder.

Before Canada’s 2016 Olympic diving trials, Carlson limited herself to only 300 calories a day, throwing away meals prepared by her mother and eating as little as three almonds for lunch. Despite her efforts, she fell short of qualifying for the Summer Games in Rio by two spots, which brought to light her silent struggle with mental health.

Following the disappointment, Carlson sought help for her disordered eating and prioritized her well-being. She enrolled at Florida State University in Tallahassee, where she worked with diving coach John Proctor. Proctor acknowledged the positive energy Carlson brought to practice and supported her through her mental health challenges.

Throughout her time at FSU, Carlson excelled as a diver and left as one of the most accomplished athletes in Atlantic Coast Conference history. Transitioning to cliff diving in 2020, she continued to thrive and became one of the best in the world in the sport.

Despite her success, Carlson remained grounded and focused on mental health advocacy. She started the #BraveGang movement on social media, encouraging others to share their stories and speak their truth about mental health and self-image.

Through her own journey and experiences, Carlson emphasized the importance of accepting oneself and living authentically. She shared her struggles openly with her followers, aiming to create a safe space for individuals to be themselves and feel supported.

Now a prominent figure in the world of cliff diving, Carlson continues to inspire others to embrace who they are and pursue their dreams without letting their appearance limit their goals. She uses her platform to promote body positivity and encourage individuals to love themselves for who they are.

With a background in psychology and counseling psychology, Carlson feels confident in sharing her vulnerabilities and experiences with others. She believes that being open about mental health is essential in breaking taboos and creating a supportive community for those who may be struggling.

As Carlson reflects on her journey, she acknowledges that cliff diving is not the greatest thing she has ever done. Instead, it was opening up about her mental health struggles and finding her place in the world. She is grateful for the opportunities to represent Canada on a global stage and hopes to continue inspiring others to embrace their true selves.