May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when people around the world shine a light on mental health and the importance of conversations around it.
Andrews Institute of Children’s Health is working to spread the word about young athletes and mental health.
Kimberly Williams, manager of behavioral health care at Children’s Health Andrews Institute, says much of the guidance student-athletes need begins at home.
“Oftentimes the mindset is I have to handle this on my own,” Williams said. “They feel that if they speak it is a sign of weakness. You have to make sure you catch them before that feeling. Please continue to reinforce that you have support.”
She said it’s a balancing act.
“It’s important to stay active,” Williams said. “It takes on a new level when you’re a student-athlete. There are several unique stressors that require rigorous training for optimal performance. They often come under a lot of pressure due to poorly managed expectations from parents, teachers, coaches, and from within. It’s a feeling of constantly trying to keep up with others.”
He also talked about warning signs parents can look out for.
“The warning signs to look for at home are poor academic performance,” Williams said. “If your child is irritable out of the ordinary. Changes in sleeping habits or decreased appetite. Social isolation or withdrawal from friends. If these things persist for more than two weeks, you’ll want to ask questions, intervene, and possibly get help.”
His message to parents continues to be to think of the mind as just another part of the physical body.
“Overtraining of the mind goes hand in hand with overtraining of the body,” Williams said. “You are at risk for a mental health component. The risk of physical injury is there. Who are they as athletes and who are they outside of sports? If there isn’t a level of self-awareness first, then this can happen.”
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