Education
Do you have a Mental Health EAP? Do you have a athletic injury EAP? Dr. Hector Lopez of SMASA shares some of the tips for building a mental health EAP for Athletic Trainers Have you planned what to do in the event of a suicide threat or attempt? The secondary setting is harder because we are dealing with minors A good understanding of mental health Video from YouTube - For NCAA student Athletes’ Mental health: a more educated approach NCAA Sports Science Institute mental health awareness According to the WHO it is a state of wellbeing in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities. Mental illness refers to diagnosable mental disorders and health conditions There is a stigma that it is a weakness Myths about Mental health: Children do not get mental health issues - 75% begin before age 24Personality weakness or character flaws cause themI can not do anything for a person with mental health problems Examples: AnxietyEating disordersMajor depressionPTSDAdjustment disorderSocial anxietyBipolar disorderSubstance abuseCo-existing learning disabilitiesADHDAutism spectrumChronic Medical illnessBullyingHazingRelationship AbuseSexual AssaultGender DysphoriaUnexpected PregnancyGamblingUndiagnosed medical issueStressors affecting athletesTeam culturePressure to performBalancing demands Identifiers for a mental health EAP ID based on performance Injury causes isolation or forced retirement Burnout due to early specialization Poor performance “I can’t show weakness” Dealing with injured athletes: Listen What does the injury mean to the athlete? What is your team and AT Clinic culture? Educate about the diagnosis Correct any misinformation Provide a road map for recovery “Dr. google is a big problem in my world” An emotional response to an injury is normal Sadness Isolation Irritation Lack of motivation Anger Frustration Changes in appetite Sleep disturbance Disengagement Response to injury Stress can lead to increased injury, muscle tension, poor concentration, and performance Can trigger depression Problematic emotional responses Persistent symptoms Worsening symptoms Excessive symptoms Summary of possible symptoms Barriers to care: Stigma Poor understanding Difficulty willing to express Lack of time Denial Fear Worried about it affecting play Not accessible Facilitators: Increased awarenessSocial supportEncouragement from othersAccessibilityA positive relationship with staffConfidentialityTimeIntegration into athlete lifePositive past experiencesEase of expressing emotion Treating injured Athletes Rapport is keySupportive cultureRespect privacyAcknowledge and understand their identity may be tied to athleticsMay be the first injury for themBe on alert for red flags Mental Health EAP TIPS Interview the athletes away from other athletes or with another staff member if possible Ask open-ended questions If the concern is self-harm be blunt Actively listen and allow them to talk without interruption KNOW YOUR ATHLETE RED FLAGS Any talk of self-harm or suicide Talking about hopelessness and empty Making a plan for killing themselves Talking about great guilt or shame. Suicide hotline www.nimh.nih.gov/sucideprevention 5 steps graphic Identifty an Emergency maintain safety for yourself and othersCall for helpTalk in a quiet place where you can defuse the situationDo not leave the student alone but do not place yourself in dangerDevelop policy and procedure and practice them KOWN YOUR LIMITS Your responsibility is to recognize and refer Prevention PPEAre you stressedDo you want to weigh more or lessOpen-ended questions - are you sad, do you feel hopeless, do you feel safeWhat are the protocols at your institutionEmergency scenariosKeep names and numbers accessibleWhat about after hours?