Kalen Jackson is carrying on her father's legacy through her mental health advocacy

Breaking down barriers surrounding mental health was a personal mission for Jim Irsay, the beloved owner of the Indianapolis Colts who died last month at age 65.
It's personal for Kalen Jackson, too.
Irsay's youngest daughter, who joins sisters Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Casey Foyt in running the team, has talked openly about dealing with anxiety. Irsay-Gordon is the CEO with Foyt as executive vice president and Jackson chief brand officer.
Jackson leads 'Kicking The Stigma,' the family's initiative to raise awareness about mental health disorders. The organization is committed to dismantling the stigma often associated with these illnesses and has been focused on expanding access to critical services across Indiana and nationwide.
The Colts have donated more than $30 million to nonprofits and organizations in the mental health space since the initiative launched in 2020.
'The stigma piece to me has almost become synonymous in my head with the way we handle it as a culture because the stigma comes from prejudice and judgment and that comes from how it's presented in our culture over time,' Jackson said. 'How do we change that conversation? With that will come so much of the change that we're fighting so hard to get to in terms of having more things covered (by) insurance or the way the hospital networks look at this, the way that companies look at this and supporting their employees.'
Irsay often spoke publicly about his battles with alcoholism and addiction, hoping his journey to sobriety would inspire and encourage others.
Jackson's voice will continue to carry on the conversation.
'I am so proud of the legacy he has left behind and I only hope to make him proud,' Jackson said.
Jackson will be recognized by Project Healthy Minds, a Millennial and Gen Z-driven mental health tech nonprofit, for becoming a trailblazing leader in mental health advocacy. She will receive the organization's first 'Sports Visionary of the Year' Award at the third annual World Mental Health Day Gala on Oct. 9 in New York. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will present Jackson with the award at an event that's brought together celebrities, executives, and cultural leaders, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
'When we all got together to decide who should win this inaugural award, it was unanimous that it should be Kalen and the Colts because they have been so committed to mental health in sports,' said Phillip Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds. 'It's not talking the talk, it's walking the walk. They've been doing this from the beginning and I think they've sort of lit a path for what I think every sport and every league ought to do.'
For Jackson, who is on the nonprofit's Board of Directors, the mission is clear.
'To connect with people and to be compassionate and to try to change the world for the better, that's kind of what all this is for me,' she said.
The NFL and NFL Players Association in 2019 agreed to make it a requirement to have a licensed behavioral health clinician on the staff of each team in an effort to increase mental health resources.
The Colts have taken it further. They recently hired a clinician to also work with front-office staff and coaches.
'I don't have to wait to know what impact it's going to have,' Jackson said.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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However, the symptoms you might experience depend on which hormones or glands are responsible. Common hormonal conditions that could cause imbalances may result in symptoms such as: Keep in mind that these symptoms are nonspecific. Having one or a few of them doesn't necessarily mean that you have a hormonal imbalance. Some of these symptoms may also reflect other chronic conditions. So, if you notice any notable changes in your body or energy levels, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor. Symptoms in people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) In people with ovaries, the most common consequence of hormonal imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Your hormonal cycle also changes naturally during these stages: Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance specific to AFAB people include: heavy or irregular periods, including missed periods, stopped periods, or frequent periods hirsutism, or excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body acne on the face, chest, or upper back hair loss hyperpigmentation (darker patches on the skin), especially along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath the breasts skin tags vaginal dryness vaginal atrophy pain during sex night sweats headaches It's important to note that many of these issues, including hirsutism, can affect people of other sexes, too. Symptoms in people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) Testosterone plays a vital role in development. If you aren't producing enough testosterone, it can cause a variety of symptoms. 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The company LetsGetChecked provides at-home tests that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, many at-home tests have not received FDA approval. Regardless of which at-home test you choose, it is important to discuss your test results with your healthcare professional. Let them know if you're concerned about certain symptoms or a possible diagnosis. Treatment options for a hormonal imbalance Treatment for a hormonal imbalance will depend on what's causing it. Some common treatment options include: Estrogen therapy Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your doctor. If you don't already have one, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Vaginal estrogen If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or pain during sex, a doctor may also recommend an estrogen cream, tablet, or ring. This local therapy helps eliminate many of the risks associated with systemic estrogen, or estrogen that travels throughout the bloodstream to the appropriate organ. Hormonal birth control Hormonal birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycles. Types of hormonal birth control include the: birth control pill birth control patch birth control shot vaginal ring intrauterine device (IUD) Some types of hormonal birth control may also help improve acne on the face and body. Anti-androgen medications Androgens are male sex hormones that are present in people of all genders. High androgen levels can be treated with medication that blocks the effects of androgens. These effects include: hair loss facial hair growth acne One androgen closely tied to hair growth and loss is testosterone. A 2020 study found that when not enough testosterone is produced, hair loss and lack of growth are common. Testosterone therapy Testosterone supplements can reduce the symptoms of low testosterone. In adolescents with delayed puberty, it stimulates the start of puberty. It's available in many forms, including injections, a patch, and gel. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has risks, including to your cardiovascular system. Thyroid hormone therapy If you have hypothyroidism, the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid) can bring hormone levels back into balance. Metformin Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication that may help some individuals with PCOS symptoms. The FDA has not approved it to treat PCOS, but it might help lower androgen levels and encourage ovulation. It is often prescribed off-label for this purpose. Flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) Flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) are the only medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of low sexual desire in premenopausal people. Addyi is a pill, and Vyleesi is a self-administered injectable medication. These drugs may come with some serious side effects, such as severe nausea and changes in blood pressure. Talk with your doctor to see if either one could be right for you. Eflornithine (Vaniqa) This prescription cream is designed specifically for excessive facial hair. Applied topically to the skin, it helps slow new hair growth but does not eliminate existing hair. Natural remedies and supplements Many nutritional supplements on the market claim to treat menopause and hormonal imbalance. However, few of them are backed by scientific evidence. Many of these supplements contain plant-derived hormones, which are sometimes called 'bioidentical' hormones because they chemically resemble the body's natural hormones. However, there's no evidence to suggest that they work better than regular hormone therapy. They are also not regulated by the FDA to the same degree as prescription hormone medications. Some people find that yoga helps ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance. 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Acne is most common in areas with many oil glands, including the: face chest upper back shoulders Acne is often associated with the hormonal changes of puberty. But there's a lifelong relationship between acne and hormones. Acne and menstruation The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers. For many individuals, acne develops the week before they get their period and then clears up. Dermatologists recommend hormonal testing for people who have acne in combination with other symptoms, such as irregular periods and excess facial or body hair. Acne and androgens Androgens contribute to acne by overstimulating the oil glands. Children of all genders have high levels of androgens during puberty, which is why acne is so common at that time. Androgen levels typically settle down in a person's early 20s. Hormonal imbalance and weight gain Hormones play an integral role in metabolism and your body's ability to use energy. 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While you can't become pregnant if you're not ovulating, irregular ovulation in PCOS can still result in pregnancy. If you're trying to become pregnant and have PCOS, your doctor may recommend methods to improve your fertility. This may include losing weight, if a doctor recommends it. Prescription medications are also available that can stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an option if medication doesn't work. As a last resort, surgery can temporarily restore ovulation. PCOS can cause issues during pregnancy for both you and your baby. There are higher rates of: gestational diabetes miscarriage preeclampsia cesarean delivery (C-section) high birth weight admission to and time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit Becoming pregnant while living with PCOS does not mean an individual will experience any of the above problems. 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