1. Najla Hrustanović, PhD, MS
Holistic Coaching: When
Your
‘Game-Face’ Is
Not
Enough
Christian Beck, MA
Najla Hrustanović, PhD, MS
Colgate University
Student-athletes are often perceived as tough, gritty, and highly competitive. When they are faced with mental health issues, they are encouraged to put on their “game-face” and “suck it up”. Student-athletes are expected to endure the burden of balancing rigorous academics, demanding sport schedules, and their social lives. Many times the competing priorities become oppressive and students may suddenly find themselves amidst unchartered waters, gasping for air. Athletic trainers are positioned in a unique role that lends itself to intervening when they observe signs of students in distress. This interactive presentation is designed to assist athletics staff in effectively and quickly identifying student-athletes at risk; supporting and referring to the appropriate resources; and recognizing personal support systems.

2. Purpose & Objectives __________________________________________
Collaborating with your Athletics department to become partners in student-athlete mental health Promoting a culture of supportive care within Athletics Teaching preventative care/training for the coaches to foster an environment that promotes holistic wellness CB

3. Anxiety Depression Adjustment Physical Injuries Dynamics
Team
Dynamics
Physical
Injuries
Adjustment
Depression
Anxiety CB
**25% of all students who visit the Colgate Counseling Center are student-athletes

4. Student-Athletes & Barriers to Help-Seeking
Attitudes: Athletes may have even less positive attitudes towards seeking help from a counselor than non-athletes.
Stigma: Stigma has been implicated as a barrier to help-seeking in athletes and has been the primary focus of recent research with this population.
Research has identified a number of possible facilitators of help-seeking, including emotional competence, mental health literacy, positive attitudes towards seeking professional help, positive past experiences, social encouragement, and the availability of established and trusted relationships with professionals such as general practitioners.
(Gulliver, Griffiths, & Christensen, 2017) NH

5. NH
Figure 1. Barriers to help-seeking for mental health problems reported by elite athletes.
(Gulliver, Griffiths, & Christensen, 2017)

6. NH
Figure 2. Facilitators of help-seeking for mental health problems reported by elite athletes.
(Gulliver, Griffiths, & Christensen, 2017)

7. Interactive Exercise
What would you as coach need to consider in this situation?
How would you as a coach handle this?
What environmental factors are necessary for this student-athlete to feel comfortable to seek help from you? CB

8. Respond & Refer Response Individuals at Risk for Suicide URGENCY
When SA approaches you
Listening
Accepting, no judgment
Ask, clarify
Refer, encourage
When SA is in need, has not approached you
Privacy
Sensitivity, expressing genuine concern
Refer, make appt together
When SA resists treatment
Use language of injury
Your responsibility
Campus Safety ( )
Colgate Counseling Center ( )
Crisis Hours (M-F 1:30-4:30)
Community Memorial Hospital
Individuals at Risk for Suicide
URGENCY
Make arrangements for them to get help SOON
Schedule an Initial Consultation at the Counseling Center
Off campus:
Call SUICIDE or text
EMERGENCY
Take the person directly to someone who can help
Contact campus safety (x7333),
ask to speak to the counselor on call
Call SUICIDE or other local hotline
Call 911 NH

9. T. R. A. I. N. Take time Recognize the need Acknowledge the experience
Implement a supportive environment
Normalize vulnerability NH

10. Breaking the Stigma → Remote Hours → Attendance at athletic events
→ Mental Health Manual
→ Remote Hours
→ Attendance at athletic events
→ Student-athlete outreach CB

11. Najla Hrustanović, PhD, MS
Christian Beck, MA
Najla Hrustanović, PhD, MS
Thoughts?
NH & CB