Mental health is a big problem among collegiate athletes. Most athletes are too busy worrying about how they perform rather than how they are feeling. According to The Mental Health Coalition, “College students are one of the most vulnerable populations when it comes to mental health concerns.”
There is a stigma around mental health in athletes that they should not have mental health problems since they are in healthy or physical shape. Due to this idea, most athletes tend to ignore their mental health. A doctor in clinical psychology, Dr. Thelma Dye-Holmes, talked about the stigma. “Mental health has a stigma that is tied into weakness and is absolutely the antithesis of what athletes want to portray,” Dye-Holmes said.
In an article from members.believeperform.com, a Ph.D. Sports Psychology student, Emma Vickers also mentioned athletes choose to ignore their mental health because they don’t want to lose their role model status. This status may include their teammates as well as fans if they are seen within the media.
Even though there is stigma around mental health in athletes, there are still multiple ways to contact help. A student-athlete could contact 988 which is the suicide crisis hotline. Along with this, athletic trainers could be a big help to student-athletes.
According to centerfoundation.org, “They are one of the few healthcare professionals who work with an athlete while they are healthy, present when an athlete is injured and also work with them throughout their journey to full recovery.”
The article also mentioned that athletic trainers build a relationship with their athletes, making it easier for the athletes to reach out for help. An athlete could also reach out to their coaches, teammates or loved ones.
One story involving an athlete’s mental health is about John MacPhee. MacPhee played Division I basketball at Columbia University. MacPhee said, “As a former Division I college basketball player, I struggled with mental health. Experiencing anxiety, depression and problem drinking, I blamed myself and failed to recognize this was a challenge that could be successfully addressed through awareness, resources and a supportive community.”
MacPhee also noted that he would show up to practice every day and wouldn’t reveal how much he was struggling. MacPhee eventually got help when he was informed he had to leave the school due to his grades.
Macphee said, “Colleges have become more proactive about offering stronger, tailored support for individuals, like student-athletes, who face additive psychological stressors. But we can do more.” Because of this realization, MacPhee is now the CEO of The Jed Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization focused on mental health and preventing suicide for young adults. MacPhee said he would help other athletes that suffered like him because no one should go through it by themselves.
Here at Keene State, there are resources at the Wellness Center. The Wellness Center is located in the Elliot Center and they can be contacted at 603-358-2200. For athletes individually there is an organization on many campuses, including Keene, called Morgan’s Message that is specific to athlete mental health.
Elyse Picard can be contacted at
epicard@kscequinox.com
