INDIANAPOLIS – An NCAA survey of college athletes suggests that rates of mental exhaustion, anxiety and depression remain up to twice as high as pre-pandemic levels, but feelings of hopelessness have improved.
The results of the study, a follow-up to two conducted in the fall of 2020, were released Tuesday. The data is based on input from over 9,800 respondents and shows that mental health problems remain very high.
The survey was conducted from November 17 to December 1. 13 and was designed by NCAA Research in collaboration with the NCAA Sports Science Institute and the Divisions I, II, and III Student-Athlete Advisory Committees.
Results show that 69% of female sports participants and 63% of male sports participants agreed or strongly agreed that they know where to go on campus if they have mental health issues. However, less than half of each said they would agree or strongly agree that they would be comfortable seeking support from a mental health provider on campus.
The NCAA constitution requires each member school to create an environment that reinforces the need and encourages the availability of resources for physical and mental health concerns within athletics.
Since March 1, at least five athletes at NCAA member institutions have committed suicide, highlighting the growing need to be aware of the services available on campus as students juggle the stress of athletic competition. expectations, academics, social life and plans for the future.
“A lot of what drives the direction of this topic is the kind of conversations that take place on a campus around mental health,” said Scott Hamilton, a mental health clinical counselor at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. a new statement. “Are there groups on campus, either through the athletic department or through counseling services, that are using their voice to help reduce stigma?”
Working with teams, Hamilton said, has been effective in changing mindsets.
“When college campuses are willing to have open conversations about the importance of mental health, taking care of yourself mentally can ease the apprehension of student-athletes seeking help,” he said.
According to survey data, 65% of female athletes and 58% of male athletes agreed or strongly agreed that they take their teammates’ mental health issues seriously, and 56% of both genders said they know how to help a teammate with a mental health problem.
Additionally, 55% of men and 47% of women agreed or strongly agreed that mental health is a priority for their athletic department, and 59% of men and 50% of women agreed. agree or strongly agree that coaches take mental health issues seriously.
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