NEW ORLEANS –
The Sun Belt Conference wants its student-athletes to know that asking for help is a sign of strength.
For the conference’s Mental Health and Wellness Awareness initiative, set for April 6-10, the Sun Belt Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is promoting the hashtag #StrongAintWrong to work to break the stigma that exists about mental health, which can keep student-athletes from seeking help.
“It is important to understand that this is a student-led initiative,” said Sun Belt National SAAC representative and Troy senior women’s track & field student-athlete Alexis Garrett. “We must have each other’s backs and continue to be supportive, even if we are not on the playing field competing against one another. I’m excited and encouraged about the campaign and look forward to seeing content that could potentially change the life of one of my peers.”
Amid these challenging times, this year’s initiative specifically focuses on what student-athletes can do to stay mentally and physically healthy, in routine and updated on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Throughout the week, resources and daily strategies for self-care and awareness will be made available on the Sun Belt’s social media platforms.
"The interest and well-being of our Sun Belt student-athletes is at the core of our mission, now more than ever," said Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill. "Our goal is to bring awareness to the stigma surrounding mental health during this unprecedented time. We are proud to see our student-athletes lead an initiative to be a part of that process."
For additional resources on COVID-19 and mental health, please visit:
• NCAA Sport Science Institute: Website |
COVID-19 Resources
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
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