What is "mental health"? | COVID-19 Pandemic & Mental Health | Warning Signs for Decline in Mental Health | Maintaining Positive Mental Health | How do I get help? | What if someone approaches me for help? | Emergency Phone Numbers | Off-Campus Resource Links | 2023-24 Head Game Project Roster
Representatives from several Saint Anselm College varsity sports teams have come together to form the Head Game Project, a student-run organization intent on establishing a culture of openness and support for student-athletes struggling with mental health issues.
Co-founded by Ally Irish (women's lacrosse) and CJ Hart (men's lacrosse), the initiative intends to support Saint Anselm student-athletes and help them to understand the importance of their psychological well-being.
Ultimately, the Head Game Project exists to destigmatize the discussions surrounding mental health as it relates to on-field and off-field performance. In the coming weeks, the tandem of Hart and Irish looks to partner with more of the Hawks varsity sports teams to build a unified effort.
The program's main goal is to "establish comfortability, safety, and fluidity" regarding each athlete's mental health on sports teams. The Head Game Project also looks to offer accessible tools to better individual's mental health in their day-to-day lives.
What is "mental health"?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Â It affects how we think, feel and act. Â It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Â
As student-athletes, the expectation to juggle academics, athletics, social activities, family life and so on can be difficult and in turn affect your mental health. Â
A decline in mental health for any reason is common and help is available! Â This page is to help identify warning signs, how to help a teammate in need, along with resources available both on campus and off.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental HealthÂ
Mental health among student-athletes is especially tested now with the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent study of 6,000 collegiate student-athletes across all three Divisions (including our own student-athletes at Saint Anselm) showed the following.
Warning Signs for Decline in Mental Health
Not sure if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be a sign:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried or scared
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like completing homework
What are some ways to maintain positive mental health?
- Getting professional help if you need it
- Connecting with others (friends, family, teammates, etc)
- Staying positive, positive self-talk
- Getting physically active
- Helping others
- Getting enough sleep
- Proper nutrition
- Developing coping skills
- Taking time for your self
- Journaling or coloring
- Meditation or deep breathing tactics
How do I get help?
- HEALTH SERVICES has skilled psychologists on staff. To schedule an appointment, call 603-641-7028. If you need someone during off hours, call 603-641-7000 and ask to speak with an on-call counselor.
- In ATHLETIC TRAINING, you are able ot speak with your team's athletic training contact with any concerns you may have. Depending on your needs, they can set you up with a SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST, OFF-CAMPUS COUNSELOR, or NUTRITIONIST.Â
- Follow @sac_sportsmedicine, @anselmians_avert and @the.headgame.project on SOCIAL MEDIA for relatable content.
What can you do if someone you know approaches you for help?
What are the campus emergency phone numbers?
- Campus Security (ambulance/fire/police): 911
- Health Services: 603-641-7028
- Counselor: After hours, dial 603-641-7000 and ask for the counselor on-call
- Catholic Medical Center: 603-668-3545
- Athletic Training room:Â 603-641-7807
- Crisis Text Line: Text any word to 741741, nationwide
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 hours/seven day a week crisis line):Â 1-800-273-8255
Off-Campus Resource Links
Bedford Family Therapy - A private practice that accepts insurance, located at 10 Commerce Park N, Bedford, N.H. 03106
National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Hampshire -Â Provides support, education, and advocacy for people affected by mental health, suicide -Â 1-800-242-6264
2023-24Â Head Game Project Roster
