Student-athletes are seeking mental health services more than ever. Although society is becoming more aware of the mental health needs of high school and collegiate athletes, we are seeing athletes commit suicide at an alarming rate. Five collegiate athletes passed away in March and April this year. I want to send my condolences to their loved ones. Sarah Shulze, Katie Meyer, Jayden Hill, Robert Martin, and Lauren Bernett.
While there are resources for student-athletes, knowing when student-athletes need them can be challenging, so making these services available may not be enough. Whether it’s individualizing and finding a way to add mental health checks to the yearly health check. Or just emphasizing mental health more and possibly creating a class or workshops for student-athletes to talk, learn, and reflect. It will help them off the court, and addressing mental health in athletes will also help them perform better in their respective fields of play.
Regardless of what strategies we use, taking preventative measures should be a top priority for schools at both high school and collegiate levels. In addition, social-Emotional Learning and Therapy should be something that schools offer to all student-athletes.
Thoughts Processed 