Sports Medicine: Mental Health

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Health is an important and often overlooked dimension of overall student-athlete health and optimal functioning. Mental health exists on a continuum

Approximately one in five adults experience mental illness in a given year, and this rate tends to be highest among young adults, many of whom are college students. Athletes have a stigma to be healthy, happy individuals but stigmas are not always accurate. Prevalence estimates of mental illness among college athletes are relatively similar to their non-athlete peers. Even in the absence of a clinically diagnosable mental health disorder, student-athletes may have impaired overall well-being as a result of sub clinical symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and insomnia or the misuse of substances such as alcohol, street drugs or prescription drugs. 

If you are struggling with mental health and/or know someone whose mental health is a concern, please seek help.

FSU Mental Health Policy (PDF)
Combating Mental Health Symptons in Athletes (PDF)
NCAA Mental Health Information

Local Resources: 

Birkam Personal Counseling Center
Phone: (231) 591-5968
Fax: (231) 591-5336
Hours: M-F 8AM - 5PM

Sports Psychologist
Dr. Eddie OConnor 

National Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line:
Text START to 741-741 to talk to a trained counselor. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7

Listening Ear – 24 hr crisis service
Providing immediate support, information & referrals
(989) 772-2918