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Salt Lake City – Utah State head football coach Blake Anderson spoke about the importance of mental health and shared his personal struggles in life in a video posted on Aggies social media.
On Monday, September 19, Anderson announced that his team will play their Week 4 game against UNLV to raise awareness for mental health.
In a 6:47 video posted on Utah State football’s social media accounts, the head coach spoke about his personal life, the challenges his family has faced and the importance of mental health.
“We’ve had a lot of good conversations about this that we all feel very strongly about,” he began. “We would love for you to join us and support this cause and help those in need.”
#Mental health issues@chabanderson 💚 History pic.twitter.com/CpIJHMyF1S
— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 19, 2022
“He grew up in an era where you didn’t show that it was hurting you as a person,” Anderson said. You didn’t show pain or cry.
The coach went on to say that in the early stages of being a father of three, mental health was not something his family talked about. Mental health wasn’t something the family talked about until Anderson’s wife, Wendy, was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. In the year She passed away following the fight in 2019. Six months later, the coach’s father also passed away. Then, about a year later, Anderson’s brother was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Anderson’s son, Cason, was out of state to work with his uncle. In February, the head coach received a phone call from his brother that would change Anderson’s life forever. Anderson’s brother, Cason, said he died by suicide.
“There were no warning signs. He always made sure to tell you he was fine,” Anderson said. “If you’re hurting, dealing with dark thoughts, if you’re depressed, if you’re in deep grief and don’t know what to do, please reach out. There are people around you who want to help you.”
You are not fighting alone. #Mental health issues 💚 https://t.co/VEoF16zoua
— Blake Anderson (@CHbanderson) September 19, 2022
The coach then closed his message by encouraging people to “stand up” and “talk” about mental health.
“Mental health issues,” Anderson finished. “I encourage you, if you or someone you know is hurting, stand up, speak up and do whatever you can to help them get the resources they need. Silence is too expensive. Thank you for listening, and if it’s hurting you, I pray that those who listen will wait.”
Leading up to Utah State’s game against UNLV, the Aggies said, “We’re going to be putting out as much stuff as we can on our social media platforms in support of those who are struggling.
Anderson, 53, currently heads USU’s football program. He currently has a 63-42 record as a head coach, including 12-5 at Utah State. The Aggies are 1-2 to start their season.
ICYMI, head coach Blake Anderson joined DJ and PK to talk about the bye week and UNLV in the Mountain West opener for both teams Saturday night at Maverick Stadium.
📻 https://t.co/kChDxTZ2nX#Aggies all the way pic.twitter.com/9RHCTA2xXB
— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 19, 2022
Utah State’s game against UNLV is at home on Saturday, September 24 at 5 p.m. (MDT). The game aired on CBS and KSL Sports Zone.
If you or someone you know is struggling or needs support, he is always there for you. SafeUT, a crisis chat and advice line. 833-372-3388
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