Duke Senior Connor Drake is a Division 1 lacrosse player at Duke University. Today, he shares his thoughts on college athlete mental health to close out Mental Health Awareness Month.
2aDays: Would you say that in your locker room or on the field, mental health remains a topic that is taboo?
CD: I'd say in the current climate we are living in, mental health is extremely stigmatized, and so it's one of those topics that's not talked about enough in the locker room. We definitely don't have enough discussions about that.
Related: Forget the Wealth and Accolades: Simone Biles Mental Health Profile
2aDays: Whether you have already done so or not, how would you go about talking to your coach about mental health issues?
CD: That's a really great question. I'd say for me, I don't exactly feel that comfortable talking with the coaches about mental health. It's nothing against them, and I respect them as coaches, and have enjoyed playing for them for the past four years, however, with this generational gap, these are harder conversations, conversations most coaches wouldn't understand because they recently emerged as hot topics. Coaches want to see their players play above everything else, so there's this sort of stigma that is out there.
2aDays: What type of outlets or resources exist for athletes on your campus struggling with mental health? Are they easily accessible?
CD: I'd definitely say there are strong resources around campus for athletes especially. At Duke, we have the opportunity to meet with a counselor or someone at any given moment so it is really accessible and easy. I can't speak to what it is like at other schools, but here, it is definitely accessible.
Related: Two Phone Calls Saved a Life: Marcus Smith Mental Health Profile
If you or a friend are struggling, know you are not alone. There are outlets across your campuses that can help you. While talking to a coach directly can be difficult, know there are other ways to go about this.
It is true that mental health is still extremely stigmatized, but for Connor, Duke offers counseling for college athletes. At all schools it varies, but the most important takeaway is that you and your mental health matter!
Mental health is mental wealth. Make sure to prioritize yourself.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
Image Credit: Duke Athletics
* Originally published on May 31, 2023, by Nicholas Nathanson
