Mental health is a key piece of overall wellness for young people, and it’s uniquely important for student athletes.
Not only do athletes face all of the realities that teens across the country are experiencing with mental health, but they have the added pressure of maintaining their physical performance. Sports can be a great source of community, hard work, and a protective factor for mental health, but can also lead to burnout and other challenges if mental well-being is not centered.
Student athletes need to regularly maintain their mental health just like they regularly train physically to maintain fitness, and that’s why we’ve created Athletes’ Minds Matter (AMM), where captains, coaches, and athletic department staff can engage athletes in conversations about mental health. Help your athletes stay healthy, well, and even improve their physical performance by weaving mental health into your practices every day. Incorporate our 5-10 minute activities at the start or end of practice, like a mental warm-up or cooldown!
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“As an athlete, it's challenging, especially for a male. We're supposed to be big and strong and macho, not somebody who struggles with their emotions. But we're all human beings…The reason I'm still here today is because I've opened up and talked about things that are hard to talk about.”
— Michael Phelps, most decorated Olympian of all time 🏊🏻
“I thought I could figure it out on my own, but that’s sometimes not the case. And that’s not something you should feel guilty or ashamed of.”
— Simone Biles, most decorated Olympic gymnast of all time 🤸🏾♀️
“Us as men, our feelings aren't too much cared about. Get things off your chest. It's OK to talk to someone. Seek help. You have to take care of your brain just like you take care of your body."
— A.J. Brown, NFL SuperBowl Champion Wide Receiver 🏈
"Recently, I decided to get on antidepressant medication. That was one of the best decisions I have made in a while. Since then I have been able to think [without] the dark undertone in mind of nothing matters. Thank you God for mental health."
— Noah Lyles, Track & Field Olympic gold medalist 🏃🏾♂️
"Therapy is freeing. Just being able to let those things out that you just tuck in your little secret part of your heart helps a lot … I feel much more at peace now.”
— Chloe Kim, Snowboarding Olympic gold medalist 🏂
"Train the mind. The body will follow."
— Steph Curry, 4-time NBA Champion 🏀