Athletes are always told to seek help if they are struggling with mental health, but due to the stigma that surrounds poor mental health in athletes, reaching out is oftentimes easier said than done. Out of all the college athletes with mental conditions, only around 10% seek professional help. That said, if you see something, say something–if you believe a teammate is struggling with mental health, here are a few ways you can help:
Validate what They are Saying
Friends dealing with difficult emotions like to be heard. It's best to empathize with your teammates and try to understand what they are going through. Validating their concerns and emotions allows another person to make sense of their emotions given the context they are in. It's best to not try and feel the same way as your friend. Giving them a nonjudgmental place to come and express their emotions is ideal.
Related: Take Care of Your Brain: 11 Ways to Improve Mental Health When Your Coach Won't Let Up
Ask How You Can Help
Being there for your teammate and asking what you can do shows that you care. This allows your teammate to think about how you can best help them get better. If they have an answer ready, do all you can to help, if they are unsure how you can help this lets your teammate actively process how a friend can help.
Be Understanding of Their Limitations
Understand that your teammate may not want to join you every time you go out somewhere. Mental health issues can be difficult to work through and may cause your teammate to miss various social gatherings. Continue to ask if they are interested, because if they agree to come out with you, you can provide a bright spot in their day.
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Don't Gossip
If a teammate confides in you, it's crucial that you do not break their trust. Opening up about mental health issues is difficult to begin with. Your teammate doesn't need other people learning more than they need to about the situation. It's a different story if you're going to an adult for help though. Click here to learn more about when to go to an adult
Change the Subject
Once your teammate is finished sharing, you can be a welcomed distraction in the situation at hand. Taking turns talking about your lives, discussing something you're both interested in, or playing a game can be good distractions to take your teammate's mind off of their own personal issues.
Playing sports in college means you must juggle various things at once including your sport, your education, and your social life. This can put a strain on athletes' mental health and cause feelings of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Be sure to check in on teammates to see how they are feeling.
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* Originally published on August 17, 2022, by Max Brown
