Mental health care support crucial for college athletes

.....“There’s a great amount of loss and anxiety,” says Dr. Jan Hall, executive director of mental health at TimelyMD, a telehealth provider. “These athletes have trained for years. They’re trying to retain their scholarships or they’re hoping that scouts from the pros give them one more glimpse. I think they feel the pressure and the fears, and I think it can be one of devastation.”.....

.....“Coaches and athletic directors can let them know it’s normal to have some of these feelings of anxiety and sadness, so students don’t feel like something’s wrong with them or feel anxious about what is next,” Hall says. “They need to help students feel like they are still part of a team and figure out ways for them to support each other. I think it’s important for coaches to continue that team spirit, to continue to huddle, to continue allowing students to connect with each other because there are bonds there, sometimes lifelong bonds.”.....