YORK, Pa. — The start of the school year is well underway, and with that comes mental health challenges for many students, especially athletes.
Participating in sports can provide children and teens with fun, confidence, companionship and much more. However, mental health problems can be a big part of the picture, too.
"There's a human behind the athlete, and the human needs to always come first," said Dr. Michael Diller with WellSpan Health.
Dr. Diller says now more than ever, our students are suffering, and there are things parents can do to help.
First and foremost: make yourself available to them.
"The only thing that matters greatly--and probably the most significantly--is if someone knows that you have their back, that I'm here for you, then that can go miles," Dr. Diller said. "One trusted relationship--we know this from the research--can build and foster resilience in a person's life that can help them navigate sometimes the most dark and challenging moments. One trusted relationship."
Athletes face increasing pressure to excel in sports as well as academics with the stigma of "being tough" still front and center. It's something Dr. Diller works tirelessly to squash.
"When I injure my knee, I'm going to an orthopedic surgeon because something is wrong," he said. "'I need you to help me.' If something is wrong with my emotional well-being and my psychological well-being, why wouldn't I reach out for help in the same way that I would with an orthopedic surgeon for my knee? Vulnerability is strength, reaching out for help is always a sign of strength, never weakness."
If your child is struggling with their mental health, Dr. Diller says it's important for parents to help their kids make time to press pause to rest, recover and recharge and to let them know that they aren't alone.
"You're gonna struggle, that's just part of life," Dr. Diller said. "Adversity is coming for all of us because we don't get a pass, but when we're open about it, when we talk about it, it gives us the keys to the door to get on the other side of it."
If you would like to find out more information about WellSpan's mental and behavioral health care, click here.