SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The parents of Stanford women’s soccer goalkeeper Katie Meyer they are speaking after their daughter’s death by suicide.
The Meyers hope their message breaks stigma and raises awareness about athletes’ mental health.
“He killed himself, and the last two days are like a parent’s worst nightmare and you don’t wake up, so it’s just horrible,” said Katie’s mother, Gina Meyer.
In an emotional interview on “Today,” Gina Meyer confirmed that her 22-year-old daughter, Katie, took her own life earlier this week. The death of the promising Stanford goalkeeper shook the world of athletics.
Meyer says that he is speaking out, hoping to prevent future tragedies. She says the pressure between school and sports may have been too much.
“There’s anxiety and stress about being perfect, about being the best, about being number one,” Meyer said.
On the heels of the tragedy, the Metropolitan Riveters hockey team in New Jersey is upping their game and highlighting mental health, hosting a special Mental Health Awareness Night during their game against the Boston Pride on Saturday.
“We try to break down the barriers to finding access to equitable medical and mental health services, no matter what sport it is,” said sports and clinical psychologist Dr. Joe Galasso.
In doing so, players are assigned to a mental health coach. It’s a game changer, says Riveters forward Kelly Babstock.
“That really helps a lot to get better at your game, you know, talking about the mental health side of things,” he said.
They are the first team in the Women’s Hockey League to partner with a team of mental health professionals and provide players with access to an elite level of care, including mental skills training and behavioral health services.
“It’s a difficult conversation to have and it’s deep. And it really affects a lot of people deeply. But I think with games like this and exposure like this, with our Mental Health Game, it brings more awareness. And that’s what we have to do.” do,” Riveters player Nora Maclaine said.
Players say that just like their diet and exercise routines, they are taking care of their mental health game, giving it the same amount of support and attention.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are worried about a loved one, help is available.
You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) or text the word “TALK” to 741-741. It’s free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
