Each quarter we will share updates surrounding our program and other student-athlete mental health initiatives. This issue features Athletes Connected updates, the Messages of Hope Board unveiled on the Athletic Campus, a former U-M rower's mental health story, research about mood and GPA as well as spotlights from around the country. 

Wellness groups are one-hour long and held every other Wednesday at 8 p.m. during the fall 2017 semester. Each group is led by Athletes Connected Program Coordinator and Athletics Counselor, Emily Klueh. The next group will be on Oct. 25 in the Ross Athletic Center.

"It really is a time for us to wake up to the fact that this is an issue -- that people need help." -- U-M Athletic Director Warde Manual

On Friday, Sept. 15 a Messages of Hope board was unveiled on athletic campus through a partnership between U-M Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and U-M Athletics. Even though the board is located on Athletic campus, anyone is encouraged to take or leave a message of hope. Funding for the board was provided by the family of Garrick Roemer, a U-M track & field athlete who died by suicide in May 2014. Steve Kornacki wrote a story for MGoBlue.com about the board and its unveiling.

Throughout the year we will publish original content on our website. The first such piece was released in September by former U-M rower and current graduate student Traci Carson. Traci's first-hand account touches upon anxiety, disordered eating and exercise dependency.

Among 43 student-athletes at the University of Michigan who participated in the Athletes Connected study over a 12-week period, improved self-reported mental health was shown to be a significant predictor of improved GPA. As the year moves on, we look forward to sharing the published works of our research team as they become available.

The Villanovan mentioned Athletes Connected research to support their call for formal support systems needed in college athletics. [ Read More ]

The American Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has pushed the use of the hashtag #POW6RFULMINDS on social media to post things related to student-athlete mental health. Later this year there will be green games, meets, and matches to promote mental health awareness. [ Read More ]

Sacramento State provides confidential injury support groups for their student-athletes with an emphasis on social support during rehabilitation. 

Oct. 18-21: Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) - Orlando, Fla.
Jan. 17-20: 2018 NCAA National Conference - Indianapolis, Ind.