By Carroll’s student-athletes teamed up with the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation to participate in Student-Athlete Mental Health Week.
The Hilinski Hope Foundation was founded in memory of Tyler Hilinski in 2018. Hilinski was a quarterback at Washington State University who took his own life. The Hilinski Hope Foundation encouraged the Student-Athlete Mental Health Week initiative nationwide to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and promote mental wellness among collegiate athletes. Hilinksi’s parents, the founders of Hilinski’s Hope Foundation, express that students should feel just as comfortable talking about mental health as they are talking about physical health.
Mental health is more important now than ever.
Carroll’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee set up events throughout the week of October 5-12 to recognize athletes who may be struggling with mental health. These events included: yoga on Sunday evening with Brooke Umsted on the new Valley Bank Field at sunset.
Monday morning there was coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts in the PE Center.
Tuesday afternoon the anthrozoology program brought puppies to help relieve some stress.
Wednesday evening there was sleep and meditation training in the PE center to help athletes relax.
On Thursday athletes were encouraged to “Be a light in someone’s life” and reach out to their teammates as they head into fall break.
Reuben Hornby, a junior from Kalispell, Montana, majoring in Biochemistry is a Track and Field advocate in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
“Mental health awareness is important for all students at Carroll, but with the extra stresses of athletics, it is important to take time to recognize how we can be alleviating these stresses,” Hornby said. “This week was a good way to prioritize mental health.”
As students reflect on this week, they are encouraged to remember that mental health is important at all times of the year.
Ongoing support and open conversations are essential for mental health in the Carroll College Community. There are confidential and free counseling services at Carroll for all students who suffer from stress/anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, academic concerns, sleep issues, trauma, alcohol and drug use, suicide, and more.
To learn more about counseling or to make an appointment visit Counseling Services at Carroll College.
