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Game Plan for Mental Health: Easy Steps for High School Coaches

Game Plan for Mental Health: Easy Steps for High School Coaches

Introduction

High school sports are not just about building physical strength and teamwork; they're also about nurturing mental resilience. In today's world, student athletes face a unique set of challenges that can impact their mental health. A recent research article titled "Considerations for Developing a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan for High School Football Programs and Athletic Departments" provides valuable insights on how to better support these young athletes.

Understanding the Need

High school football players, in particular, are at higher risk for mental health issues due to the pressures of competition, risk of injury, and the high stakes environment they operate in. This can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. To address these challenges, it's crucial for athletic departments to develop a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan (MHEAP).

Key Components of a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan

Creating a MHEAP involves several key steps:

Implementing the Plan

Once the plan is developed, it’s essential to train all stakeholders, including coaches, trainers, and school staff, to recognize and respond to mental health issues. Regular drills and reviews of the plan can help ensure everyone is prepared.

Encouraging a Supportive Environment

Beyond emergency planning, fostering a supportive environment is key. Encourage open communication about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking behavior among student athletes. This can be achieved through workshops, peer support programs, and mental health awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

By implementing a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan, high school athletic departments can provide a safer and more supportive environment for student athletes. This not only helps in crisis situations but also promotes overall well-being and resilience among young athletes.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Considerations for Developing a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan for High School Football Programs and Athletic Departments.


Citation: Taylor, S. A., Lawrence, N. M., & Gunter, K. (2022). Considerations for Developing a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan for High School Football Programs and Athletic Departments. HSS Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/15563316221141884
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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