You trust us to keep athletes in the game. Trust us to train and equip coaches, parents, and athletic staff to notice the challenges student-athletes face that aren't always so visible.
Though sports offer many health benefits, the demands that often come with them can wear on a student-athlete's mental health.
While striving to excel in their sport, they're under added pressure to balance their classwork and social lives with games and practices.
At UPMC, we have the training to assess all aspects of the student-athlete's health.
We want to help you support your student-athletes if they find themselves in a time of need.
UPMC Sports Medicine, in partnership with UPMC Western Behavioral Health, offers mental health and wellness education for student-athletes. We're here to help you perform at your very best in sports, school, and life.
For partner schools and groups, we offer ongoing virtual training. And you have access to your own referral coordinator to ensure support, services, and proper follow-up.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.
It also plays a role in how we respond to stress, relate to others, and make healthy and safe choices in life.
Mental health is a part of everyone's daily life.
And mental health challenges are very common. Did you know, 1 in 5 people suffers from a mental illness each year?
Student-athletes tend to feel more distress because of wanting to perform at a higher level for themselves or others.
They seek validation, praise, greatness, fulfillment, and success.
A common struggle with athletes is feeling like sports are their whole identity. They sometimes need a reminder that they were whole before their sport and will be whole after.
Take time to focus on both your physical and mental health.
Make your wellness a priority, and try to do these things for yourself each day:
It's okay to ask for help. Remember, if you're feeling a certain way, chances are someone else is having similar feelings.
Think about reaching out to:
You can also contact the:
Kenneth C. Nash, MD, and Raymond Pan, MD, from UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital lead this program. It includes videos from experts who support the health and wellness of student-athletes.
Dr. Nash is the team psychiatrist for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers. Dr. Pan is known nationally for his work with student-athlete mental health and wellness.