May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Harrisburg, PA – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and has been observed in the U.S since 1949. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to discuss the importance of a prevalent issue across the country and among student-athletes. According to the study done by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in every 5 adults will experience mental illness each year with less then half receiving treatment. In the most recent data found by the NCAA, the research shows that student-athletes along with college coaching staff demonstrate similar mental health conditions to the general public.
The Women's Sports Foundation conducted a study which can be found here : https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/articles_and_report/the-healing-power-of-sport/
The study found that during the pandemic, participation in sports declined among teens from 76% to 70% in 2021. The biggest decline in participation was with those students in 12th grade and located in rural areas. In addition to the decline in participation among girls, the pandemic reveled widespread in health concerns such as physical health, mental health and academic success. Such behaviors were lack of self-esteem and decline in support socially and educationally, and increased levels of depression. On the positive side, the study also confirmed how participation in sports improves overall well-being and protected the students from the negative impacts of the pandemic and mental health concerns. The findings illustrated the immense impact sport has in helping not just girls but all student-athletes so they may thrive beyond the field. Sports offer an opportunity to lead teens and young adults to a more healthy and augmented life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis contact the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-6264 or text 62640.
NAMI: https://nami.org/help?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content
HACC Resources for Students and Staff: https://www.hacc.edu/Students/WellnessResources/index.cfm
Mazzitti & Sullivan
Call 1-800-543-5080 to speak to someone 24/7
To make an appointment visit: https://www.mseap.com/hacc-students/