” IF YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUR YOUNG ATHLETES, LOOK FOR CHANGES IN HABITS AND OUT-OF-CHARACTER BEHAVIOR. THESE CAN BE SIGNS THEY NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE.”
Ryan Martin
Director of Player Personnel, D.C. United Head Coach, Loudoun United FC
Franklin County Native
HOW TO COPE WHEN STRESSED
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH GENERAL STRESS
Here are a few simple tips for dealing with daily or life-related stress:
TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING SUGGESTS A FEW SIMPLE TOOLS
Visit thenationalcouncil.org to learn more about them and how to approach mental wellbeing.

WHAT TO DO
IF YOUR ATHLETE IS STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
STEPS TO HELP

If you think a student is struggling with their mental health or with substance abuse, here are three steps. Find ways to talk about mental health as part of your daily lives, before serious issues arise.

STEPS TO HELP
If you think a student is struggling with their mental health or with substance abuse, here are three steps. Find ways to talk about mental health as part of your daily lives, before serious issues arise.
1
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS
Everyone reacts differently to the pressures of life, but common signs include:
2
FIND A WAY TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
It can be a hard subject, but a few overarching tips offer a bridge to someone who is feeling sad, isolated, or confused.
Figuring out a way to bring up the topic itself can be hard. The right opening words can be the difference between a genuine conversation and slammed door.
Putting the person, their happiness, and health at the front of the conversation is important. Equally as important is letting them know you care and that they can talk to you or someone else.
Visit MentalHealth.gov and Mental Health America to find recommended language and phrases.
3
GET HELP
If a person is facing a serious crisis, especially involving feelings of self-harm or harm to others, getting professional help is crucial.
THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
You can also find local resources at MentalHealth.gov.
1
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS
Everyone reacts differently to the pressures of life, but common signs include:
2
FIND A WAY TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
It can be a hard subject, but a few overarching tips offer a bridge to someone who is feeling sad, isolated, or confused.
Figuring out a way to bring up the topic itself can be hard. The right opening words can be the difference between a genuine conversation and slammed door.
Putting the person, their happiness, and health at the front of the conversation is important. Equally as important is letting them know you care and that they can talk to you or someone else.
Visit MentalHealth.gov and Mental Health America to find recommended language and phrases.
3
GET HELP
If a person is facing a serious crisis, especially involving feelings of self-harm or harm to others, getting professional help is crucial.
THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
You can also find local resources at MentalHealth.gov.


“GET INVOLVED. SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS SHOWING AN INTEREST IN YOUR YOUNG ATHLETE’S LIFE CAN CREATE A CONVERSATION FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH.”
PATRICK BROWN
FORMER OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PLAYER

“GET INVOLVED. SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS SHOWING AN INTEREST IN YOUR YOUNG ATHLETE’S LIFE CAN CREATE A DIALOGUE FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH.”
Patrick Brown
Former Ohio State
Football Player
1
TAKE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Talking about drug usage before it occurs can reduce the likelihood of future abuse.
2
KEEP THE CONVERSATION CENTERED AROUND THEIR WELL-BEING
Starting these conversations early and being frank and honest is important. Keep their health at the forefront of the conversation.
3
AVOID MORALIZING
During teenage years, rejecting authority isn’t uncommon. Framing substance use conversations around morals can turn young people off to discussing it further.
For a more in-depth look at how to start talking to youth about substance use from an early age through high school, visit Hazelden Betty Ford.

NOW WHAT?
RESOURCES FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE USE
1
TAKE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Talking about drug usage before it occurs can reduce the likelihood of future abuse.
2
KEEP THE CONVERSATION CENTERED AROUND THEIR WELL-BEING
Starting these conversations early and being frank and honest is important. Keep their health at the forefront of the conversation.
3
AVOID MORALIZING
During teenage years, rejecting authority isn’t uncommon. Framing substance use conversations around morals can turn young people off to discussing it further.
For a more in-depth look at how to start talking to youth about substance use from an early age through high school, visit Hazelden Betty Ford.
NOW WHAT?
RESOURCES FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE USE


RESOURCES
If you or someone you love is in need of substance use counseling, there are many resources out there.
Resources are available for all different types of people and many are free.
NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE
988 or online chat
THE TREVOR PROJECT
(LGBTQ YOUTH)
(866) 488-6386
text ‘Start’ to 678-678
or visit their website for online chat
FRANKLIN COUNTY YOUTH
Mental Health Resources
FRANKLIN COUNTY YOUTH
Addiction Services
SAMHSA
Treatement Finder
NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
(Youth 17 and under in Crisis)
(614) 722-1800
FRANKLIN COUNTY SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE
(614) 221-5445
or visit their website

RESOURCES
If you or someone you love is in need of substance use counseling, there are many resources out there.
Resources are available for all different types of people and many are free.
NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE
988 or online chat
THE TREVOR PROJECT
(LGBTQ YOUTH)
(866) 488-6386
text ‘Start’ to 678-678
or visit their website for online chat
FRANKLIN COUNTY YOUTH
Mental Health Resources
FRANKLIN COUNTY YOUTH
Addiction Services
SAMHSA
Treatement Finder
NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
(Youth 17 and under in Crisis)
(614) 722-1800
FRANKLIN COUNTY SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE
(614) 221-5445
or visit their website