{"id":25566,"date":"2025-02-13T13:06:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T19:06:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/?p=25566"},"modified":"2025-10-27T09:51:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T14:51:57","slug":"building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Stronger Athletes Through Better Mental Health Support"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#personal-perspective\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Personal perspective<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#the-mental-health-crisis-among-student-athletes-statistics-and-insights\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">The mental health crisis among student-athletes: statistics and insights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#suffering-in-silence-recognizing-stigma-and-providing-resources\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Suffering in silence: Recognizing stigma and providing resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#how-virtual-health-can-support-student-athletes\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">How virtual health can support student-athletes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#incorporate-mental-health-experts-into-athletic-departments\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Incorporate mental health experts into athletic departments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#create-mandatory-education-workshops\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Create mandatory education workshops<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#peer-mental-health-programs\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Peer mental health programs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#utilize-technology-for-accessibility\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Utilize technology for accessibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#integrated-wellness-checks\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Integrated wellness checks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/building-stronger-athletes-through-better-mental-health-support\/#engaging-nutrition-and-fitness-with-mental-health\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Engaging nutrition and fitness with mental health<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"25566\" class=\"elementor elementor-25566\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c671caa elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"c671caa\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-82d2677 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"82d2677\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e30ee0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1e30ee0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Imagine a student-athlete as a gymnast on a balance beam, carefully navigating a narrow space where every step counts.<\/p><p>Academics, athletic performance, relationships, and societal pressures are the complex routines the gymnast must execute with perfect precision. Now imagine the student\u2019s mental health as the crucial core of their stability. A single misstep in maintaining their balance can send them tumbling.<\/p><p>In an effort to keep the gymnast safe, it is critical to provide a mat under the beam \u2013 a foundation of mental health resources that cushions every challenge and ensures a safe return to the beam.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"personal-perspective\"><\/span>Personal perspective<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>As a freshman Division I gymnast at the University of California, Berkeley, I was living my dream of competing at the collegiate level. In just seconds, my gymnastics career came crashing down \u2013 literally \u2013 during a dismount off bars. It\u2019s a skill I had performed thousands of times before, but this time, something unexpected happened \u2013 I landed straight on my head, breaking T3 and T5 vertebrae in my spine as well as tearing my trapezius muscle. At just 17 years old, I was bedridden in my dorm room for 10 weeks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c3bd5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3c3bd5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f14201d elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"f14201d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/player.js\" async><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/r930sd34nt.js\" async type=\"module\"><\/script><style>wistia-player[media-id='r930sd34nt']:not(:defined) { background: center \/ contain no-repeat url('https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/medias\/r930sd34nt\/swatch'); display: block; filter: blur(5px); padding-top:56.25%; }<\/style> <wistia-player media-id=\"r930sd34nt\" aspect=\"1.7777777777777777\"><\/wistia-player>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bc50ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3bc50ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Hear from VP of Care Transformation, Nassim Bickham, as she talks about her personal experience of being injured her freshman year as a student-athlete.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0cf4889 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"0cf4889\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e1c255f ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e1c255f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af7a5f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"af7a5f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This ordeal was not just physically challenging; it was a mental and emotional rollercoaster. In addition to struggling with the shock of a major injury, I was only six weeks into my college experience, navigating new challenges like adjusting to a new school, team and coach while living away from my home and family. I was not prepared, or even aware of, how traumatic this injury would be on my mental health.<\/p><p>The reality is that my brain took much longer to heal from my injury than my body, and that impact on my mental health went unmet, leading to my retirement as a collegiate gymnast during my sophomore year.<\/p><p>Looking back, I can\u2019t help but wonder how different my experience might have been if I had access to virtual health services that could have connected me with a mental health professional right from my dorm. That would have been an invaluable use of my bedridden time.<\/p><p>My experience served as a catalyst and inspiration to address a need that often goes unmet, by helping others with their mental health. This ultimately led me to TimelyCare where I support the development of clinical programs and our care team in changing the lives of students who struggle like I did.<\/p><p>As leaders in higher education and mental health, we must understand the mental health hurdles students face, the supportive role of institutional leaders, effective strategies in mental health care and the trends of reshaping how we nurture young athletes. It\u2019s time to help student-athletes achieve not just physical and academic success, but also emotional balance on their path forward.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-mental-health-crisis-among-student-athletes-statistics-and-insights\"><\/span>The mental health crisis among student-athletes: statistics and insights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>The intersection of high-performance athletics and the academic environment can often be a breeding ground for overwhelming stress. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9858692\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">Research indicates<\/a> that nearly one in every four student-athletes report signs and symptoms of depression, and females were found to be more likely at risk for depression and anxiety compared to males.<\/p><p>High expectations, injuries and constant schedules often leave little room for self-care. Even more alarmingly, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.athletesforhope.org\/2019\/05\/mental-health-and-athletes\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">study by Athletes for Hope<\/a> found that only 10% of student-athletes experiencing mental health challenges seek professional support. Often, stigma and lack of access to proper care often prevent athletes from seeking help.<\/p><p>While there have been changes and improvements to support mechanisms for student mental health in higher education, there is still work to be done \u2013 especially for student-athletes \u2013 to support students&#8217; emotional health and well-being on and off the field.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"suffering-in-silence-recognizing-stigma-and-providing-resources\"><\/span>Suffering in silence: Recognizing stigma and providing resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>The number one step higher education can take is to recognize that the stigma associated with mental health is likely even more pronounced in the student-athlete population and acknowledge that it will take extra effort to break it down, particularly among marginalized communities. In the meantime, offer student-athletes support and ensure they know what resources are available to help them.<\/p><p>Beyond the physical resources, it\u2019s also vital to ensure that athletes feel safe and supported using them.<\/p><p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncaa.org\/news\/2023\/1\/26\/media-center-ncaa-coaches-report-increased-focus-on-mental-health-detail-personal-challenges.aspx\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">NCAA-led survey<\/a> found more than 80% of head, assistant and associate coaches across all three divisions are spending more time discussing mental health with student-athletes than they did before the pandemic. Athletic directors and coaches have a unique ability to influence team culture. By building a culture of caring within the athletic community and among individual teams and teammates, students can feel more comfortable seeking support when they need it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e28fc21 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e28fc21\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ade67cb ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"ade67cb\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-473baf4 elementor-cta--layout-image-right elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"473baf4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"146.176\" height=\"149.08\" viewBox=\"0 0 146.176 149.08\"><g transform=\"translate(-5555.288 -2392.131)\"><g transform=\"translate(5573.009 2394.381)\"><line y1=\"12.497\" transform=\"translate(55.269)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"4.597\" y1=\"12.631\" transform=\"translate(33.56 2.884)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"8.411\" y1=\"10.024\" transform=\"translate(13.725 13.204)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"11.903\" y1=\"6.872\" transform=\"translate(0 27.022)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"5.882\" x2=\"10.188\" transform=\"translate(100.545 30.656)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"9.717\" x2=\"8.153\" transform=\"translate(89.438 14.618)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"12.555\" x2=\"4.57\" transform=\"translate(72.38 3.933)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><\/g><g transform=\"translate(5600.548 2457.433)\"><path d=\"M5623.736,2471.934l8.421,6.919a11.128,11.128,0,0,1,4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5580.568 -2434.024)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5603.063,2471.934l-8.421,6.919a11.131,11.131,0,0,0-4.066,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5590.576 -2434.024)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5625.288,2485.928l.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5580.1 -2429.801)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5598.626,2485.928l-.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5588.16 -2429.801)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" transform=\"translate(10.336)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><\/g><g transform=\"translate(5557.538 2443.63)\"><path d=\"M5570.025,2461.331l-8.422,6.919a11.132,11.132,0,0,0-4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5557.539 -2423.422)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5565.588,2475.325l-.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5555.122 -2419.198)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" transform=\"translate(10.336)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><g transform=\"translate(96.357)\"><path d=\"M5656.774,2461.331l8.423,6.919a11.133,11.133,0,0,1,4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5623.942 -2423.422)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5658.325,2475.325l.045,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5623.473 -2419.198)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><\/g><\/g><path d=\"M5620.952,2417.885c12.105,0,22.848,4.921,29.487,12.474h9.655c-7.442-12.054-22.191-20.286-39.143-20.286s-31.7,8.232-39.142,20.286h9.655C5598.105,2422.806,5608.847,2417.885,5620.952,2417.885Z\" transform=\"translate(7.326 4.737)\" fill=\"#f4bd51\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTake proactive measures to support the unique needs of student-athletes.\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn more about how virtual health care can support your campus.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/contact\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener noreferrer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTalk to TimelyCare\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e3c670f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e3c670f\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-64c9c4a ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"64c9c4a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb3a2fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bb3a2fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-virtual-health-can-support-student-athletes\"><\/span>How virtual health can support student-athletes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Another important step for higher ed to support student-athlete mental health is to lean into one of their most powerful assets: motivation.<\/p><p>Student-athletes are among your most motivated individuals on campus. They know how to set goals and achieve them. While there may be an initial hurdle to breaking the stigma barrier, we know students want to feel better.<\/p><p>In many ways, Gen Z is leading the charge for change. A <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/students-stressed-and-anxious-while-higher-education-funding-questions-loom\/?cat=news\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">recent TimelyCare survey<\/a> found that 73% of college students believe mental health support services would increase their likelihood of graduating.<\/p><p>However, finding the time to seek mental health support is yet another challenge that can complicate a student athlete\u2019s wellness journey, as their demanding academic, athletic and travel schedules can make it nearly impossible to schedule an in-person appointment when it suits their schedule. Introducing a virtual care solution enables them to connect with a provider at their convenience, no matter their schedule or location. With a teletherapy service like TimelyCare, students can access a licensed provider wherever they happen to be.<\/p><p>Combating the mental health stigma within athletics takes structured, thoughtful programs. The Sun Belt Conference established a<a href=\"https:\/\/sunbeltsports.org\/news\/2023\/11\/8\/general-sun-belt-conference-expands-student-athlete-mental-health-support-through-timelycare.aspx\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\"> first-of-its-kind partnership<\/a> with TimelyCare to expand mental health care access to student-athletes across each of the conference\u2019s campuses, including <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/mental-health\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">scheduled counseling, TalkNow<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/peer-community\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">peer community<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/digital-self-care\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">self-guided resources.<\/a><\/p><p>Here are some best practices to begin integrating mental health initiatives:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1124765 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"1124765\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-563f2ef ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"563f2ef\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-cf7f871 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"cf7f871\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-background-color=\"#1B63A2\" class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-8510c03 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"8510c03\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32a12cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"32a12cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"incorporate-mental-health-experts-into-athletic-departments\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Incorporate mental health experts into athletic departments<br>\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-9dcfbe5 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"9dcfbe5\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-advanced-background-color=\"#E2E3E4\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bdff382 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bdff382\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHaving licensed counselors or sports psychologists on staff can bridge the gap between performance and wellness. Specialists dedicated to student-athletes understand the unique challenges they face and can tailor their guidance accordingly.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-0f905f2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"0f905f2\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-background-color=\"#1B63A2\" class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-029b53a ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"029b53a\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17a64e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"17a64e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"create-mandatory-education-workshops\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Create mandatory education workshops<br \/><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-90da810 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"90da810\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-advanced-background-color=\"#E2E3E4\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-456ce78 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"456ce78\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEducating athletes, coaches, and staff about mental health can have a profound impact. Topics like coping strategies, recognizing signs of burnout or distress, and seeking early intervention should be covered.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-feec3c2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"feec3c2\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-background-color=\"#1B63A2\" class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-cc70276 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"cc70276\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ce99ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5ce99ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"peer-mental-health-programs\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Peer mental health programs<br \/><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-694347f ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"694347f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-advanced-background-color=\"#E2E3E4\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cababdf elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cababdf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/peer-community\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Peer support networks<\/a> enable athletes to connect with fellow students who share their experiences. These programs reduce stigma dramatically while ensuring athletes have a trusted space to talk.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-62b2743 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"62b2743\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-background-color=\"#1B63A2\" class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-3b29237 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"3b29237\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-528ca61 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"528ca61\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"utilize-technology-for-accessibility\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Utilize technology for accessibility<br \/><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-252f9c9 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"252f9c9\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-advanced-background-color=\"#E2E3E4\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b93b179 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b93b179\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Digital solutions like TimelyCare provide <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/digital-self-care\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">self-guided journeys, check-ins, and guided content<\/a> to empower students to develop healthy habits. These services are available anytime, anywhere\u2014an ideal solution for time-strapped athletes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-78314fa elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"78314fa\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-background-color=\"#1B63A2\" class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-3d84f21 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"3d84f21\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52903e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52903e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"integrated-wellness-checks\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Integrated wellness checks\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2f87185 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"2f87185\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-advanced-background-color=\"#E2E3E4\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b1c631 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b1c631\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Include mental health assessments as part of regular physical evaluations to ensure ongoing monitoring and early intervention. Pair screenings with opportunities for counseling referrals.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-f19fd00 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"f19fd00\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-background-color=\"#1B63A2\" class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-68fec5d ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"68fec5d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c96ee6a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c96ee6a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"engaging-nutrition-and-fitness-with-mental-health\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Engaging nutrition and fitness with mental health\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-1668e56 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"1668e56\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-dce-advanced-background-color=\"#E2E3E4\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b034b8 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1b034b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA holistic approach to wellness incorporates proper rest, nutrition, and exercise plans. Educate athletes about the impact of sleep, diet, and mindfulness on mental well-being.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5024af5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"5024af5\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2c11a45 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"2c11a45\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f03df34 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f03df34\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Virtual emotional and mental health care, such as the services provided by TimelyCare, can also help institutions meet the NCAA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com\/ssi\/mental\/SSI_MentalHealthBestPractices.pdf\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">guidelines for mental health best practices<\/a> by providing accessible, confidential, and secure support for student-athletes. The guidelines emphasize the importance of providing resources and support for student-athlete mental health, including access to mental health screenings, referrals, counseling services, and ongoing care. <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/overcoming-barriers-to-mental-health-care-in-college-sports\/?highlight=student%20athlete#how-virtual-care-can-help-student-athletes-overcome-barriers-to-care\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Virtual care addresses those requirements<\/a> by expanding accessibility, providing convenience, reducing stigma, connecting students to peer support services, integrating with on-campus counseling centers, and providing care for coaches and staff.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b05d6dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b05d6dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/player.js\" async><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/56iyx9dev1.js\" async type=\"module\"><\/script><style>wistia-player[media-id='56iyx9dev1']:not(:defined) { background: center \/ contain no-repeat url('https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/medias\/56iyx9dev1\/swatch'); display: block; filter: blur(5px); padding-top:56.25%; }<\/style> <wistia-player media-id=\"56iyx9dev1\" aspect=\"1.7777777777777777\"><\/wistia-player>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c54cb10 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c54cb10\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Learn how your faculty, staff, and coaches can properly support the student-athlete population on campus from VP of Care Transformation, Nassim Bickham.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d43171 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7d43171\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Virtual care can remove barriers to mental health care, enabling student-athletes to reach their fullest potential in their academic and athletic performances. <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Contact TimelyCare<\/a> to learn how mental and physical telehealth for your academic community can make a difference in the mental wellness of student-athletes and non-athletes alike.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39d1c50 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"39d1c50\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>This blog was last updated on February 18, 2025.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine a student-athlete as a gymnast on a balance beam, carefully navigating a narrow space where every step counts. Academics, athletic performance, relationships, and societal pressures are the complex routines the gymnast must execute with perfect precision. Now imagine the student\u2019s mental health as the crucial core of their stability. A single misstep in maintaining [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":25567,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - 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