BGSU Athlete Kicks Off Mental Health Campaign

In Toledo, Ohio, the conversation around mental health among student-athletes is gaining traction, thanks to Malcolm Johnson Jr., a football player from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Teaming up with the Hilinski Hope Foundation, Johnson is launching a mission to enhance awareness on mental health issues that haunt many student-athletes. This initiative, Start a Conversation, emerges from tragedy but aims to bring hope and support to young lives under high pressure.

The Hilinski Hope Foundation started back at Johnson’s previous school following the tragic loss of the founder’s son to suicide. To launch Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, Johnson is not just talking the talk. He's encouraging student-athletes nationwide to wear specially designed apparel to showcase solidarity and urge for compassion and understanding within the academic athletic landscapes. With proceeds channeling into mental health support programs, BGSU and Johnson Jr. aim to actively contribute towards eliminating stigma and increasing the available resources.

Student-athletes often face incredible pressure to perform, both academically and athletically. They juggle rigorous training schedules with academic commitments, all while striving to maintain a semblance of a social life. In many scenarios, their private struggles remain unseen — a hidden turmoil bubbling beneath the surface. While their athletic prowess is visible, mental health issues like substance abuse, social anxiety, and eating disorders too often lurk in the shadows.

Johnson emphasizes that given their high visibility on campus, student-athletes hold substantial influence. This position can be wielded to enact tangible change within mental health dialogues on campuses. By sharing their struggles, these athletes utilize their platforms for spreading much-needed awareness and advocating for mental health resources.

Student-athletes don’t just feel pressures from their sports; expectations from family members who envision a professional athletic career compound the stress. Plus, public scrutiny and the harsh world of social media amplify an already taxing lifestyle. But for Johnson, the key tools to combat these challenges lie in openness and conversation. However, the reality today reveals that a mere 10% of student-athletes with mental health issues are seeking professional help, mainly due to the stigma surrounding mental health.

Johnson knows that displaying vulnerability off the field won’t strip an athlete of their strength on it. The challenge lies in detaching their off-field identity from their athletic persona and understanding the importance of maintaining mental fitness alongside physical prowess. Finding that balance is crucial in boosting performance while also nurturing personal well-being.

So how can student-athletes start addressing these mental hurdles? Johnson suggests building a support system comprising teammates, friends, or mental health professionals. Self-awareness is important — recognizing when something feels mentally off-balance can be the first step in acknowledging the need for help.

Furthermore, seeking professional help should not be daunting. Counseling can guide athletes through these emotional storms, equipping them with techniques to manage stress effectively. With initiatives like Start a Conversation, Johnson Jr. is leading a movement to encourage openness about mental health, reminding everyone that sharing these struggles is not a sign of weakness but rather a step towards empowerment.