Supporting an athlete’s mental well-being isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for peak performance, resilience, and long-term success both on and off the field.

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Why Mental Health Matters for Athletes

1. Performance isn’t just physical​​​

   • Depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, and poor sleep can undermine focus, increase injury risk, and hinder recovery. One report found up to 48% of female collegiate athletes experienced depression or anxiety

      

2. Stigma and access barriers still persist​​​

   • Though resources may exist, many athletes aren't aware or reluctant to use them due to stigma or tight schedules 

3. The cost of ignoring mental health

   • Unaddressed struggles can escalate into disordered eating, substance use, and even self-harm 

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Our Program: Your Mental Health Playbook

1.  Raise Awareness & Reduce Stigma

   • Pre-season workshops for athletes, coaches, and families

   • Open discussions led by licensed sports psychologists (like NCAA-endorsed curricula) 

2. On-Campus Support

   • Access to athletic trainers, team physicians, licensed counselors, and mental-health hotlines 

   • Virtual care options for flexible, confidential sessions

3. Peer & Coach-Led Support

   • Peer-led mental-health groups to normalize seeking help 

   • Coaches trained to spot signs early and foster healthy team culture 

4. Tools for Self-Care & Resilience

   • Self-care routines: sleep strategies, nutrition, mindfulness breaks, outside-of-sport identities 

   • Coping with pressure and failure: mental toughness strategies from top sports psychologists 

5. Injury & Transition Support

   • Emotional care pathways post-injury through trauma-informed approaches

   • Planning support for academic, athletic, or life transitions

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Get Started: Resources at Your Fingertips

Mental Health Guide Plug here 

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Final Takeaways

• Well-being fuels performance. Emotional resilience and self-care are athletic advantages.

• Culture matters. Teams thrive when coaches foster openness and normalize help‑seeking.

• Support is available—use it. From professional help to peer networks, no one is alone.

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Remember, mental health is non-negotiable—it supports your academic, athletic, and personal success. We’re here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.