Athletic trainers (ATs) play a crucial role in promoting mental wellness and creating a safe space for their athletes and patients to talk about their mental health.
As healthcare providers, it is also vital that ATs take good care of their own mental health because compassion fatigue is REAL and inevitable without effective coping strategies.
Read our blog on ways that healthcare providers can alleviate compassion fatigue here.
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, so to honor this important issue here are some ways you can recognize and celebrate:
- Educate yourself and your athletes/patients on the importance of mental health & wellness. It is important for ATs to understand common mental health issues, be able to recognize warning signs and know how to initiate conversations about mental well-being. By increasing knowledge and expertise, athletic trainers can better support those facing mental health challenges.
- Encourage open and honest conversations about mental health. Create a safe space where athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers can openly discuss mental health concerns. Encourage communication by organizing forums, support groups, or one-on-one sessions where individuals can share their experiences and seek guidance. An open dialogue helps reduce stigma and promotes a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking help.
- Provide resources to support those struggling with mental health challenges. Ensure that you and your patients have access to valuable resources. Collaborate with mental health professionals, psychologists, and counselors who specialize in sports psychology. Create a network of trusted providers who can offer support and guidance when needed. Share contact information for helplines, crisis intervention services, and mental health organizations that offer resources specific to athletes and sports professionals.
- Spend time on your own mental health, whether via therapy, journaling, movement, or self-care– whatever fills your cup! Promote self-care practices to those around you and encourage them to prioritize activities that contribute to their overall well-being. Additionally, stress the importance of taking breaks, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can better manage stress and enhance their mental resilience.
This important month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. As an athletic training staffing company, it is crucial to recognize the impact that mental health can have on athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers themselves. By promoting mental health awareness, we can foster a supportive environment and provide valuable resources to enhance the well-being of everyone involved in sports.
Here are some of our favorite resources to support you & those you serve as an AT:
- Our Compassion Fatigue blog post with info + tips on compassion fatigue and how to alleviate it
- Insight Timer meditation app with the world’s largest FREE library of more than 170k guided meditations, 17k teachers, and a meditation timer
- The Happiness Lab Podcast hosted by Yale psychology professor Laurie Santos
- Unlocking Us Podcast With Brené Brown
- Mental Health America collection of online, free, confidential, anonymous, and scientifically validated screening tools to help individuals understand and learn more about their mental health
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental well-being for athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and our communities. By celebrating this month, we can promote open dialogue, provide valuable resources, and support the mental health needs of those we serve.
