Be A Mental Health Ally

73% of parents

believe sports improve their children’s mental health according to health.gov. The benefits of playing sports include reduced incidence of anxiety and depression, lower stress and improved confidence. A University of Kansas study showed that students who participated in high school sports were 10% more likely to graduate than their peers who did not.

But sports and extracurriculars are only part of the equation in a world where today’s youth are feeling the push/pull of emotions and performance pressure in their own minds and from the outside world. But any competitive activity or experience can trigger students experiencing mental health challenges.

It’s a complex issue; one that requires a variety of strategies and tactics to help students in their journey toward achieving and maintaining their well-being. And involvement in sports and other extracurriculars can play a key role.

As leaders, coaches and administrators, it’s critical to set the right tone for all student-athletes, to create an accepting, positive experience and to identify and assist students when they’re experiencing difficulties or crises in their lives.

What contributes to youth mental illness?

In general, kids born post 1996 report higher rates of anxiety, depression and distress than those that came before them.

Young teen ager sits in hallway with head in hands

What Contributes to Emotional Distress?

- - More time online
  - “Virtual friends” vs. in-person contact
  - FOMO (Fear of missing out)
  - Increased emphasis on academic and athletic success
  - Overscheduling
  - Parenting pressure
  - “Professionalization” of youth and high school sports

Building Acceptance From the Top Down

It’s critical for athletic departments and school leadership to create a culture of mental wellness for its student-athletes. According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his/her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his/her community.”

Whether it’s in the community, throughout the halls and classrooms of your school or on your fields, courts and tracks, it’s up to leadership and administration to set the tone and establish a culture that recognizes and supports mental health. Coach talks to sad teen sports team in locker room to try and pick their spirits up

Creating a “safe team” environment:

Foster a positive, inclusive space for all who participate
Build trust and mutual respect across all parts of the team (players, coaches, staff)
Balance performance and outcomes with well-being … and fun
Encourage open, non-judgmental communication
Recognize and celebrate that each player has unique goals and challenges
Provide proper training to staff to help them identify and work with students who are struggling
Be consistent in your words and actions
Remove abusive coaches and staff

Finding Effective Tools and Resources

As a coach, educator or administrator, you may have had exposure to information or training in the area of mental illness or emotional distress among youth. But don’t feel like you have to “solve” the student’s problem. It’s your responsibility to keep your eyes open, listen to your athletes and to find resources within your school that can be of assistance to your student and their family.
Start with the basics:

Support mental wellness education
Avoid negative words around mental health (crazy, nuts, psycho, etc.)
Use “people first” communication
Emphasize appropriate sleep/rest
Provide a safe space to talk about mental health
Acknowledge that stigma may exist, but it has no place in your program
Stress the importance of seeking help

Take advantage of available resources to learn how to identify and handle mental health issues. The U.S. Council for Athlete’s Health (uscah.com) has a series of mental health education modules designed to increase awareness and highlight areas of focus specific to athletes. And apps like Calm, Headspace, Moodnotes and more can help kids with anxiety deal with difficult times and experiences.

Sports are positive and healthy. But as a coach or anyone involved with a student population, you can be a first-line ally to help your kids optimize their mental health when they need it most.

Want more content like this?

Read Cultivating Excellence: Building a Positive Culture Within Your Athletic Program.