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 24* Personality weakness or character flaws cause them* I can not do anything for a person with mental health problems Examples: * Anxiety* Eating disorders* Major depression* PTSD* Adjustment disorder* Social anxiety* Bipolar disorder* Substance abuse* Co-existing learning disabilities* ADHD* Autism spectrum* Chronic Medical illness* Bullying* Hazing* Relationship Abuse* Sexual Assault* Gender Dysphoria* Unexpected Pregnancy* Gambling* Undiagnosed medical issue* Stressors affecting athletes* Team culture* Pressure to perform* Balancing 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