By Aaron Ay, Anzhelika Akkazakova, Talha Ali, Madeleine Bascao, and Mathew Griswold, University of Washington Bothell School of Business
Content Warning: This contains discussions about suicide.
As our Zoom call began, University of Washington Bothell Student Anzhelika Akkazakova appeared with her dark brown hair tied in a low ponytail and dressed in a plain black T-shirt, her standard boxing workout outfit. Her surroundings were obscured by a gray virtual background that muted the space around her. The lighting was slightly uneven, giving her face a soft contrast as she leaned in and out of the frame to adjust herself before the interview. Despite several technical difficulties at the beginning of the call, ranging from an echo in her microphone to video issues, her demeanor remained steady through her calm and engaging tone of voice. Unlike many individuals, Anzhelika appeared comfortable discussing the topic of mental health as she answered our questions about how many individuals within her communities struggle with mental health challenges, and how young boxers like herself often struggle with mental health.
Tell us about your boxing culture and how it intersects with mental health.
AA: I’ve been boxing since I was in middle school, and some of my siblings also did the sport. Growing up, we always felt pressure to make weight, to make sure we didn’t eat certain types of food, and to be on time for weigh-ins. Sometimes we had to go long periods without eating to make weight, which was really hard on us. Also, we couldn’t show if we were struggling with mental health; we had to put that aside and not show weakness.
When you’re in coach mode, sometimes that means yelling at someone to focus. But that doesn’t work very well in mental health first aid. Would you agree that that wasn’t the best way to approach someone in front of someone’s teammates if you suspect that a teammate is struggling?
AA: Yes, in mental health first aid training, they taught us that the approach does matter, especially when someone is struggling with their mental health. You want to approach them in a calm environment and not around a lot of people, because you might trigger them or make them uncomfortable. They may not want to talk or share their personal experiences in front of others. They feel more comfortable if you approach them privately [after stating what signs and symptoms you’ve noticed] and ask, “Are you ok?”
You also said it’s important to listen non-judgmentally, and you mentioned that you would not tell the person, “just be strong.” What would you tell the person instead of “just being strong,” which is, I guess, coach mode?
AA: I would just do my best to listen, try to connect with them, and ask, “Are you okay?” I’d let them know that I’m there for them; that they’re not alone and that we can get through it together. I would encourage them as much as I can. If I’m not able to help enough, I would seek professional help and see if they could go to therapy or use other resources. I’d also encourage them to attend a class or even sit and listen to professionals share their stories and personal experiences.
You also mentioned it’s important not to interrupt. What do you mean by not interrupting the person? Why is that important as far as listening nonjudgmentally and giving reassurance and information?
AA: Well, sometimes, when I feel like I might interrupt the person or brush it off, I used to think, “Whatever, it’s not a big deal.” But it is a big deal. When I took Mental Health First Aid training, I learned that even small details are important. Sometimes I miss those things and don’t fully listen. But those little things mean a lot to the person. If someone is struggling with their mental health, they might feel like I’m not taking it seriously, and they could start thinking about doing something that could hurt themselves or others. I would give reassurance by saying, “You are not alone” and “ I’m here to support you,” making sure the person doesn’t feel alone. I would also let them know that it’s okay to ask for professional help if needed.
You mentioned that you enjoy walking as a form of self-help. What do you like to do for walking?
AA: Sometimes I like to go on walks with my friends and talk about things I’m dealing with or struggling with. In the past, I’ve also struggled with really bad anxiety and panic attacks, so I try to get out, walk, maybe have a cup of coffee or a small snack, and spend time with my fiancé, my family, or a friend.
Prior to taking this class, you wouldn’t have felt comfortable asking about suicide. Why is that?
AA: Well, I know a couple of people who have struggled with thinking or having those thoughts. I didn’t really know how to approach someone and ask these questions: “Are you thinking about suicide? Are you thinking of killing yourself?” …some people just feel scared, or they don’t feel comfortable asking those questions, so I myself struggled asking those questions, and then when we got into those little groups and we had to ask those questions, I felt like it was a perfect way of practicing. You also mentioned standing in front of the mirror and practicing those questions to make sure that you feel comfortable saying it, just in case, if [in] everyday life, if you see someone struggling, you could know how to approach them.
Anzhelika lands a punch in the boxing ring at her local gym. Photograph courtesy of Anzhelika Akkazakova.
You told us after the training was over that that if everyone had this training, they would judge less and be more agreeable. You also said that if certain employers had appropriate training, legal action could have been avoided, and a healthier work environment could have been created. Is there anything else that you wanted to take away?
AA: I think this [unlawful discrimination] happens a lot when people are struggling with mental problems in everyday life [at work]. I feel like some managers or bosses don’t know how to deal with their employees’ mental health. I think that if they encouraged people, or even required employees in the workplace, to take Mental Health First Aid training, they would understand how to help people better.
You think that more training would help with communication, is that what you’re saying?
AA: I feel like they will learn how to communicate better with their coworkers and be more understanding. Everyone struggles with different mental health challenges or other things in their lives, so this would be a good way for them to understand how to be there for and support someone who is struggling.
When things are getting hard in your particular sport, how do you balance that mental health challenge, where it starts to drain you or affect you, without it taking away from the sport?
AA: I personally like training every day and showing up for training. It does get really hard, especially when you are the only female boxer at the gym. It can be very mentally and physically challenging. But I always love the feeling of being inside a boxing gym.
Once you win, it’s the greatest feeling. When you receive your trophy, it feels amazing because you worked so hard and achieved the goal you set for yourself. I’ve been to the Junior Olympics, and I know one of my friends who went to the Olympics in Paris for the Boxing Olympics, and I actually know her dad. So you get to meet really cool people. I’ve always been to Russia, and I met pro boxers there. And I’ve traveled here in America as well, so you get to meet a lot of famous people. Their coaches, their family is… It’s a great feeling.
We were honored to have Anzhelika Akkazakova enlighten the class with what she learned from MHFA training, connecting it with her personal experience of stigma in her culture regarding mental health and how it can affect everyday life. We learned from Anzhelika that, for many people in her Russian community, silence was seen as a form of strength in households. Struggles with mental health were often dismissed and ignored, being viewed as a sign of weakness rather than something natural to the human experience. Personal struggles were expected to be handled alone, which Anzhelika has taken as a culturally normalized mindset into boxing, where vulnerability is discouraged.
Anzhelika displays courage and resilience through her presence, whether it be in the ring, or with those in her community. She has the tools and abilities to pick up and aid a friend in need. Similarly, many people from all sorts of backgrounds struggle with mental health. There are individuals in everyone’s lives who suffer, and being prepared is a necessity. Trainings such as Mental Health First Aid Certification can go a long way in aiding those who need it.