The Spiders started college football mental health week

Richmond, Va. – The Richmond football team’s College Football Mental Health Week (CFMHW) kicks off with Saturday’s game at Elon on October 1st and runs through a special week through the 8th. More than 115 colleges and universities nationwide participate, breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health by providing quality resources and letting student-athletes know they care.

Coinciding with Mental Illness Awareness Week, CFMHW will lead World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

This year, the Spiders will remember CFMHW with a special helmet display for Saturday’s game, featuring a green ribbon with #3 for Tyler Hillnessy, the Washington State quarterback who lost his battle with mental health in 2018, and Richmond football’s own #28, Gus Lee, who lost his battle that same year.

“Student-athletes face a lot of stress and pressure, sometimes more than the average student does, all while trying to compete at the highest level,” said Athletics Staff Psychologist Dr. Rachel Turk. “Supporting their mental health is a vital part of their overall health and performance. By participating in College Football Mental Health Week this year, we’re talking openly about student-athlete mental health to break down barriers and bring awareness to seeking help.”

During the game at Elon, coaches and sideline staff wear lapel pins #3 and #28. Through the Hilinski Hope Foundation (H3H), established by Mark and Kim Hilinski to honor their son’s legacy, participating schools were sent tool kits including motivational ribbons, jersey patches, pins and wristbands.

“This game and week is important from a student-athlete perspective because it’s not only an opportunity for us all to come together as student-athletes to work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, but it’s an opportunity to make a positive difference for our school, but for others around the world,” said the redshirt senior quarterback. Braxton HughesGroup Mental Health Communication.

This year, Richmond Athletics has done the following to increase education and awareness around mental health and overall wellness.

• Each student-athlete had a pre-participation mental health screen and met with a mental health clinic to discuss their results and any other mental health concerns they may face during their year.
• Each group completed a Mental Health 101 training on signs and symptoms, barriers to seeking treatment, how to help, and on-campus services and resources.
• Each of the coaches and primary support staff received annual mental health education.
• Richmond hosts Health Wednesdays once a month to promote self-care and overall wellness, offering a number of activities including therapy dogs and massage chairs.
• Each group identified mental health communication as a point of contact and programming and messaging. Collaborated with SAAC Mental Health and Wellness representatives, Morgan Message representatives, and AsYouAre representatives (our campus student-athlete mental health group).
• All student-athletes receive individual therapy services for mental health and athletic performance, and several teams have scheduled additional group sessions.

Saturday’s game will be a tribute to those who have suffered and are still suffering, including himself, and shine a light on the issue of mental health.

Athletic mental health resources
NAMI Crisis Text Line: Text NAMI to 741-741.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988