Ask the Expert: The Holidays, Triggers, and Mental Health

The holidays are often triggers for mental health struggles on the average year. This year, with the pandemic impact on the holidays combined with lingering emotional impact of the disruption on sports, many more athletes find themselves struggling in some capacity with mental health. We wondered how we can support student-athletes during this winter break which is why we have so many posts and resources related to mental health this month. We asked Bettina Frankel, sports psychiatrist at Northwestern University, to share some simple tips for athletes on investing in mental health over the holiday break. This quick 8 minute listen offers you several practical, actionable tips to prioritize your mental health. Mental wellness is for ALL of us!  Take a listen and share with your teammates! 

If you need help with how you are feelingReach out to a close friend or loved one — even though it may be hard to talk about your feelingsContact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith communityMake an appointment with your doctor, other health care provider or a mental health professionalIf you are experiencing a mental health crisis If you are in any type of crisis and feel the need to talk anything out, text 741-741 from anywhere in the United States. You will be put in touch with a trained crisis counselor.  If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides free, confidential emotional support for you @ 1-800-273-8255 and is available 24/7/365.