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#TAKE DOWN THE STIGMA

This initiative aims to address the unique challenges of mental health in high school athletics, focusing on the high prevalence of suicide, stressors in sports, hazing, and the role of "first responders" in supporting student-athletes. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to signs of mental health struggles, providing support, facilitating referrals, and following up to ensure students' well-being. Coaches are encouraged to create a supportive culture, break the stigma, and build resiliency to promote mental wellness in sports.

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#TAKE DOWN THE STIGMA

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  1. #TAKE DOWN THE STIGMA

  2. MENTAL HEALTH DEMANDS ENGAGEMENT Unique challenges • Problem is not obvious • People not willing to share personal information • Stigma - Don’t want to be viewed as weird or weak • Friends unwilling to come forward SUICIDE is the SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH for ages 10-24 • Avg. of 5,400 attempts by young Americans each day • 4 out of 5 teens have given clear warning signs • 18% of teens have considered • 7% have attempted

  3. ATHLETE FOCUS Athletes experience unique stress and intensity and are least likely to ask for help. Statistically there are a significant number of your players that have mental health challenges. Coaches have a unique and impactful relationship with athletes.

  4. THE CULTURE OF HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS • Many student-athletes see primary identification as an athlete • Place high expectations on themselves • Teammates have a tremendous influence • Coaches are powerful • The team is a closed environment • Parental involvement can be an issue • Spectators can be harsh critics • Under constant observation and evaluation

  5. STRESSORS IN ATHLETICS • Losing role on team or being cut • Not allowed to leave the sport with dignity • Conflicts - teammates or coach • Concussions / Injuries • Overtraining / burnout • Multiple competitions, multiple teams in a week • Fear of failure; fear of success Hazing and bullying (based on power and dominance) • 22% of HS students - dangerous hazing: 43% - humiliating activities • 71% of time lead to negative consequences - Mistrust, anxiety, depression, quitting, fighting, suicidal ideation Use of alcohol and other drugs by H.S. student-athletes: • More frequently / consume more than their non-athlete peers

  6. How to support “FIRST RESPONDERS” CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT! Give them a chance…

  7. Pay full attention • Let them tell their story • Use minimal encouragers • LISTEN • Suspend judgment • Believe their account of their experience • Don’t investigate or adjudicate • Ask about suicide, homicide and/or violence ACCEPT • Offer hope without trying to “cheer up” • Lend ego strength without directing or dominating • Create a “holding environment” SUPPORT • Ensure safety and never leave them alone. • Use your relationship to help the referral • Know before needed to whom you will refer • Facilitate the process • REFER • Responsibility and protocols must be clear • Must know the limits of confidentiality and student privacy REPORT

  8. FOLLOW UP You MUST follow up when: • The student-athlete has been fragile or vulnerable • You have been concerned enough to refer

  9. PROBLEMS SIGNS COGNITIVE • Rumination • Incoherent thinking • Difficulty staying in reality • EMOTIONAL • Mood swings / Frequent irritability • Bursts of anger • High sensitivity to criticism • BEHAVIORAL • Excessive exercising or Chronic tiredness • Frequent absences • Neglecting hygiene SOCIAL • Withdrawal/isolation/ • Discounting praise • Rebellious RISKY BEHAVIORS Cutting or self harm - Excessive dieting, bingeing, purging Over training - Getting into fights Unsafe Sex Destroying property - Skipping school or running away Alcohol and drugs in a harmful way - Driving dangerously

  10. depression A MAJOR RISK FACTOR FOR SUICIDE

  11. “I wish I was dead.” SUICIDE RISK What to Listen For “I’m going to end it all.” “I just want to die.” “If ______ doesn’t happen I’ll kill myself.” I can’t take it any more.” “I just want it to stop.” “Who cares if I’m dead or alive anyway?” “Soon I won’t be here to kick around any more.”

  12. If you can’t ask the “suicide question,” • You do NOT increase the risk of suicide by asking directly. Find someone who can now! YOU MAY INCREASE THE RISK BY NOT ASKING YOU MAY INCREASE THE RISK BY NOT ASKING.

  13. ASKING THE SUICIDE QUESTION • Set up the conversation • Talk privately if possible; Be patient, stay calm • Be direct, “Are you thinking of hurting (killing) yourself?” • Allow the person to speak freely • Recognize athlete’s stress: “You are trying to do something special...” • Involve the parents • Don’t let them go until you are sure they are safe! • CRISIS: • POTENTIAL HARM (to self, others) • TIME (deal with immediately) • do NOT LEAVE the individual alone • Call 911, Security, Administrator • CONCERN: • Talk with the student • Contact parent • Talk with the school counselor

  14. How can you help? THE ROLE OF THE COACH Be aware Be involved LASRR Build the Culture #TakeDowntheStigma!

  15. BUILD THE CULTURE / Build Resiliency • Take Down the Stigma - Break the “Noose of Silence” • Bring in Trusted Persons so student-athletes see you interact • Use teachable moments • Be aware of language - “Tough it out” / “Don’t be a baby”, “Sicko,” “Mental”…… MITIGATE RISK FACTORS BUILD RESILIENCY

  16. Not every problem is serious, but all deserve attention ATHLETES EXPERIENCE UNIQUE STRESS AND INTENSITY AND ARE THE LEAST LIKELY TO ASK FOR HELP. #TAKEDOWNTHESTIGMA

  17. RESOURCES • An 8 hour educational program that provides adults the tools to help youth who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis • Provides information on normal adolescent development, signs and symptoms of mental health or substance abuse issues, protective factors and the importance of early intervention • Participants DO NOT learn how to diagnose nor how to provide therapy or counseling, but how to connect the youth and family to appropriate services • Courses are free in FCPS! Youth Mental Health First-Aid Contact : Jenn Spears, Mental Wellness Specialist for more information at jmspears@fcps.edu, 571 423-4321

  18. RESOURCES Help Lines • CrisisLink Regional Hotline: 703-527-4077 • CrisisLink Regional Textline: Text CONNECT to 855-11 • 1-800-SUICIDE (National Hopeline Network) • 1-800-273-TALK (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)

  19. RESOURCES NAMI Family Support Partner Services • Trained parents and caregivers who use their personal experiences to help other youth and families build on their strengths, navigate services, develop supports and find hope • http://www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html Find out more

  20. RESOURCES • Provides free and confidential mental health services to income eligible youth and children between the ages of 5 and 21. • Offer counseling and resources to those in need. Give an Hour • https://giveanhour.org/initiatives-and-programs/healthy-minds-fairfax/ Find out more

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