Athletes don’t have mental health issues as they are mentally and physically tough. This used to be a common belief a while ago, however, in recent years we have seen a significant shift in this perception.
High-profile athletes from various sports have openly talked about their battles with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.
The NFL has also started prioritizing the mental health of its athletes, coaches and other staff members.
In recent years, the NFL has made significant efforts to address any mental health problems with the players and other members of the league head-on.
Causes of Mental Health Issues in NFL Players
Mental health issues among NFL players arise from a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social factors. Here are some of the primary causes:
Head Injuries and Concussions: One of the most significant contributors is the high incidence of head injuries, including concussions. Studies have shown that repeated concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease associated with severe cognitive and emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, and aggressive behaviour.
Psychological Stress: NFL players face immense psychological stress from the high demands of the sport, including performance pressure, fear of injury, job insecurity, and the intense scrutiny of the public and media. This stress can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Post-Career Transition: The transition from a structured life of professional sports to a post-career life can be challenging for many players. They may struggle with identity loss, finding new career paths, and adjusting to a life without the routine and support systems provided by their teams. This transition period often sees a rise in mental health issues among former players.
Pain and Physical Health Issues: Chronic pain from injuries sustained during their careers can significantly affect an athlete’s mental health. Players often deal with long-term pain management issues, which can lead to substance abuse and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
Lack of Mental Health Resources: Historically, the NFL has been slow to fully embrace and provide adequate mental health support for its players. Although there have been improvements, such as the NFL-NFLPA Behavioral Health Agreement and increased availability of mental health resources, there remains a stigma around seeking help for mental health issues, which can prevent players from accessing the support they need.
The Evolution of Mental Health Awareness in NFL
Mental health was heavily stigmatized in the NFL, and there was no choice for the players but to suffer in silence. However, this began to change over time, particularly after several prominent cases brought the issue to the forefront.
The sudden death of Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher in 2012 is one such event that led to these reforms. Belcher’s murder-suicide shocked the sports world. But it also highlighted how some players are struggling with severe mental health issues.
This tragedy, along with other similar incidents, was a wake-up call for the NFL fraternity. It emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support.
Another significant incident occurred in 2018 when a former NFL wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, publicly shared his struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder. Marshall’s openness about his mental health struggles had a strong impact on the NFL community.
It also encouraged other players to speak out and seek help. His advocacy was also instrumental in pushing the league to provide better mental health resources and support for its players.
In response to these events, in 2019, the NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) came together to create a joint Behavioral Health Agreement.
This was a groundbreaking initiative, as its main focus was expanding mental health resources for players, to support their overall well-being. Here are the key elements of this agreement:
1. Mental Health Emergency Action Plan
Each team must carry out a comprehensive plan that they should follow to address mental health crises.
2. Behavioral Health Team Clinicians
Every NFL team must have a licensed mental health clinician who is well-integrated into the team environment. His main goal should be to support players, coaches, and staff in case of any emergency.
3. Mandatory Mental Health Education:
Mental health education for all players and league personnel is a must. This will help destigmatize mental health and promote the usage of available resources.
4. Confidentiality and Trust
A critical element of the NFL’s mental health initiatives is its strict confidentiality policy. Players need to feel confident that their privacy will be protected to seek help without fear of being judged or repercussions.
Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti, the NFL’s Vice President of Wellness and Clinical Services, underscores the importance of trust in encouraging players to utilize mental health resources.
Video Series and Public Awareness
In addition to internal resources, the NFL has also launched public awareness campaigns to promote mental health.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, the league released a series of videos featuring players and coaches discussing their personal experiences with mental health challenges.
The main aim of these videos was to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage others to seek help when needed.
Building a Positive Mental Health Culture
To create a positive mental health culture within the NFL, a collaboration of various stakeholders is required.
Team clinicians work closely with team physicians, athletic trainers, chaplains, and player engagement directors to form a comprehensive support network.
This team-based approach ensures that players have multiple points of contact for mental health support. It promotes a more integrated and effective care system among the players.
The NFLPA now has 107 mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counsellors, and licensed marriage and family therapists, in its Clinician Directory.
Currently, the directory covers all 30 team cities, with efforts to include more providers offering face-to-face sessions. The NFL is also working on its Substances Abuse Program to ensure that the players who test positive get the required support they need.
The program is run by a third party, but the NFLPA makes sure players’ health and wellness are prioritized and they have access to necessary resources.
Dr. Andrew Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens’ team physician, highlights the importance of this collaborative effort, noting that the goal is to optimize both mental and physical health among players.
By normalizing discussions about mental health and providing an effective support system, the NFL aims to foster a healthier environment for everyone involved.
Continued Commitment and Future Goals
Although significant progress has been made, the NFL acknowledges that there is still work to be done. The league remains committed to expanding and improving its mental health resources.
Future goals include enhancing educational programs, increasing accessibility to mental health services, and continuing to destigmatize mental health issues.
By prioritizing mental wellness, the league not only supports its players but also sets a positive example for other organizations and the public at large.
Conclusion
Through comprehensive programs, strict confidentiality policies, and public awareness campaigns, the league is making strides in destigmatizing mental health and providing crucial support to its community.
As these efforts continue to evolve, the NFL’s commitment to mental health will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the well-being of its players, coaches, and staff. For more information, you can visit the official NFL mental health page here.
