Services & Programs
Know When to ReferPay attention to patterns of thoughts and/or behaviors, not just one or two isolated events, to determine if a student-athlete is experiencing significant distress and could benefit from a referral to a provider. Those closest to the student-athlete, such as teammates, friends, athletic trainers, coaches, academic support staff and parents are in a position to notice when something is “going on” that is out of the norm for them. Below are some behaviors and symptoms that may indicate a mental well-being concern. The list is not all inclusive.
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of interest or participation in things he/she is usually interested in
- Loss of motivation
- Withdrawing/isolating from social contact
- Irritable, edgy, impatient, argumentative
- Deterioration in appearance and/or hygiene
- Negative self-talk
- Excessive worry or fear
- Loss of enjoyment in activities previously found to be enjoyable
- Irresponsibility, lying
- Mood swings or lack of emotion
- Feeling out of control
- Physical complaints not related to sport injury
- Unexplained wounds or deliberate self-harm
- Unhealthy weight control practices (e.g., restrictive dieting, binge eating, over-exercising, self-induced vomiting, or abuse of laxative, weight loss supplements and diuretics)
- Overuse injuries, unresolved injuries, or continually being injured
- Talking about death, dying or “going away”
How to Support a Student-Athlete in DistressStudent athletes are often most comfortable talking first to a friend, teammate, or peer when they are struggling. And although we want to help, it can sometimes be hard to know what to say in order to be supportive, so here are some things to keep in mind.
- Remember, the student athlete came to you because they have a level of trust with you – this is a positive start.You might want to let them know you are aware it is not easy to open up and that you are glad he/she did.
- Approach and respond from a place of care and compassion.
- Listen, listen, listen – Allow them to express thoughts and feelings.Allow for moments of silence.
- Avoid judging.Provide unconditional support.There is no need to pressure yourself to solve or fix the problem. You are not the clinician. Normalize the student athlete’s experience and offer hope.
- Ask questions for clarification.
- Ask questions about personal safety (“Are you thinking of hurting yourself?” and “are you thinking of suicide?”) Asking these questions will NOT plant the idea in their head.If the answer to these questions is “yes” call our office or take your friend to the nearest medical personnel.
- Do NOT promise a friend that you will keep their suicidal thoughts or behavior private! “We need extra help. I want to connect you with someone who can help you.”
- If you are approaching a student-athlete due to concerns you have for their wellbeing, be prepared to share concrete, specific examples of behaviors and actions that created your concern.State them factually, without judgment and commentary. For example, “I am worried about you. You don’t seem like yourself lately. You haven’t been eating, you’ve been sleeping a lot, and you don’t seem as focused at practice. Have you thought about going to talk with someone about what’s on your mind?
- Let them know there are resources available that can help and that you believe they can benefit from them.
- You may choose to offer to go with them to the provider for the first time.Some people will be open to that and take you up on your offer.Do not offer this if you can’t follow through, or don’t really want to do this.
- Recognize that the student-athlete may not be ready for help right away and may refuse your suggestion.Don’t take it personally.You might want to follow up in a few days, specifically asking about the concern, and whether they have considered the idea of talking to a provider.If the willingness and interest is there now – provide contact information for Dr. Goodson (662.341.0772), Ms. Ejalonibu (662-694-2871) or Ms. Robinson (601-521-1351).
On the rare occasion where there is an immediate threat to safety, call 911.
(Adapted from NCAA Mind, Body and Sport: Understanding and Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness, October 2014)
What should someone expect in an individual, group, or team meeting?
Individual Meetings
Individual Counseling is a one-on-one discussion between the provider and the student-athlete. The two form an alliance, relationship or bond that enables trust and personal growth. Individual Counseling is aimed at helping cope with stressors related to everyday life. Individual Counseling can assist in coping with stressful life situations, work/school problems, grief, and emotional distress or relationship difficulties.
Individual Mental Skills Training addresses many individual concerns for either underperformance behaviors or the desire to continue improving performance when there is nothing wrong.
Are the Services of a CMPC® necessary? Do you or your teammate:
- have trouble staying focused during competition?
- lack confidence during practice or games?
- perform better in practice than in competition?
- seek a competitive edge?
- have decreased confidence or motivation after an injury?
- desire to improve your sport or team experience?
Group Meetings
Group counseling is counseling with multiple individuals facing a similar concern. The strength in group counseling is that if you have 3, 5 or 10 people facing the same or similar issues, then they can work together. Group counseling is common for college-aged individuals. The individuals in the group act as a source of insight and support while reinforcing the idea that each individual is not the only one experiencing presenting concerns.
Team Meetings/Mental Skills Training is the process of helping team members enhance their ability to work cohesively through the improvement of communication, group objectives, trust, and respect. Team strategies are often used at the beginning of a season to help members become more familiar and trusting of each other. Common techniques include group introductions of each other, competitive challenges, and individual and team goal setting.
Sport-performance consulting includes, but is not limited to:
Clinical counseling services include addressing the following topics, but not limited to:
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