Hey everyone,
I wanted to open up about something we don’t talk about enough in FRC: mental health. It’s definitely something that is discussed frequently but I felt the need to put out a reminder as kickoff approaches.
We’re all here to push ourselves, build incredible robots, and compete, but let’s be real—the stress and pressure can hit hard. And if you’re anything like me, you know how easy it is to get caught up in the grind, where suddenly all you’re thinking about is meeting deadlines, nailing that design, and doing everything to get the team ahead.
I’ve been there—those late nights, all-nighters, hours of troubleshooting, trying to balance team tasks with school, friends, family stuff, and still feeling the pressure to keep up. Sometimes it gets so intense you wonder if you can keep going. And the thing is, I know I’m not the only one feeling this.
So let’s just put it out there: as much as FRC is about building a robot, it’s not worth sacrificing your mental health for it. FRC is amazing and can teach us so much, but no competition, project, or goal is worth burning yourself out. We’re here to grow, to learn together, to have fun, and to challenge ourselves. But sometimes we lose sight of all that when we let the pressure take over.
It’s okay to lean on your teammates and mentors—sharing the load doesn’t make you any less dedicated. If you’re feeling the weight, reach out to someone on the team or to a mentor. You might be surprised at how supportive people can be, and chances are, they’ve been there, too.
And honestly, take breaks. You’ve probably heard this a million times, heck even I’ve heard it many times and still have yet to get into the habit of doing this, but just stepping away for a few minutes can make a huge difference. Breathe, get outside, grab a snack, listen to a song you love—anything that helps you reset. The robot or whatever you have worked on so far will still be there when you get back, and you’ll be more ready to tackle it.
Also, let’s remember why we’re all here. FRC is about pushing ourselves, but it’s also about enjoying the experience, learning, and working as a team. If it starts feeling like it’s constantly dragging you down, that’s a sign to take a step back and think about how you’re approaching it. Sometimes, setting boundaries and limiting the hours you put in actually helps you work smarter, not harder. Learn to say no. We’re all better teammates when we’re rested, balanced, and feeling good.
And if you’re really struggling, please reach out. Whether it’s to a friend, family member, or even a counselor, talking to someone can help more than you might realize. No one should feel like they have to handle everything alone, and mental health is way too important to put on the back burner.
Here’s the truth: as much as FRC can feel like a job, and it’s awesome for teaching us real-life skills, it’s not worth jeopardizing your well-being over. When all is said and done, people may not remember how many all-nighters you pulled or how stressed you were before competition. They’ll remember the energy, kindness, and positivity you brought to the team. Don’t let a robot take that away from you.
FRC should challenge us, but not break us. Let’s make it our goal to create a space where we can work hard, support each other, and still look after ourselves. If you’re feeling the pressure, just please know you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and we’ve got each other’s backs. You’re doing amazing things—remember to take care of yourself along the way!