TTUHSC hosting lecture that focuses on mental health in athletes

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – The “Staying Mental Toughness Under Pressure” conference will focus on athlete mental health next weekend in Hodgetown.

The conference is hosted by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Behavioral Health Centers of Northwest Texas and the Texas Panhandle.

The Texas Panhandle and Behavioral Health Centers will host the annual Hugh A. Pennal Lecture Series.

This year’s conference will feature Paddy Steinfort, who is a performance coach for the Boston Red Sox, host of the Toughness podcast, and an advisor to the US Army.

“A lot of professional athletes who are focusing on mental health. There are so many needs that are not being met and we want to be able to provide some resources for people,” said Martha Del Toro, director of marketing for Northwest Texas Healthcare System.

Steinfort also previously worked with Patrick Mahomes as his performance coach.

“He uses a variety of techniques that help players keep their minds clear and focused on performance even when they’re not sitting,” said Kevin Friemel, major donations officer at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. .

Del Toro says that while the conference’s focus will be on athletes, anyone who attends will benefit from it.

“His techniques will help everyone in attendance, but the athlete side is a unique perspective that hasn’t been presented before,” Del Toro said.

With the increase in professionals speaking about mental health, it is important that the public have resources and can get help if they need it.

“All of these professional athletes being open about their mental health are helping the stigma of identifying that everyone has a mental health advantage and that there should never be any reason why you shouldn’t seek help,” Del Toro said.

The event will be held in Hodgetown on October 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Confirm your attendance at the free event click here.

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