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Mental health is an important and often overlooked dimension of student-athlete health and optimal functioning. Mental and physical health are inextricably linked. For example, there is evidence suggesting an elevated risk of injury among athletes who experience anxiety or depression, who abuse alcohol or who have an eating disorder. Furthermore, the athlete's psychological response to injury has the potential to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities to depression or anxiety, substance abuse or disordered eating behaviors.
 
Mental health is a key component of student-athlete wellness, and the athletics department can play a pivotal role in providing an environment that supports wellness while also providing resources so that student-athletes can obtain referrals to mental health services. The sport environment is an important venue for establishing mental health promotion practices, destigmatizing mental health challenges, normalizing care seeking, facilitating early identification of mental health disorders and assisting all student-athletes in finding qualified mental health practitioners when needed. It is also an important venue to learn about the role that mental well-being plays in total health and the ability to thrive, both on and off the field of play.
 
In recognition of the importance of destigmatizing mental health and facilitating early detection, the IWU Sports Medicine and Athletic Department in collaboration with Arnold Health Services have created a list of resources for self-care and recognition as well as resources of available personnel to provide direction through facilitating support.  
 
REFERENCES:
* NATA - Inter-Association Recommendations in Developing a Plan for Recognition and Referral of Student-Athletes with Psychological Concerns at the Collegiate Level: A Consensus Statement
* NCAA - Interassociation Consensus Document: Understanding and Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness MENTAL HEALTH BEST PRACTICES
* NATA - Inter-Association Recommendations for Developing a Plan to Recognize and Refer Student-Athletes With Psychological Concerns at the Collegiate Level: An Executive Summary of a Consensus Statement

 


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