The Athletes Connected Newsletter: November 2018

Each quarter we will share updates surrounding our program and other student-athlete mental health initiatives. This issue features a new video about transition to college, a thought leadership piece about that transition and a first-person account of making choices with depression and bipolar disorder. We also recap the #SameHere Sit-Down visit along with mental health initiatives from around the country.
Athletes Connected Updates
Mira's Story: Transition to College

""I realized it was OK to feel overwhelmed, to keep up with school, lacrosse, a social life; it's not supposed to be easy."
- Mira Shane

In the latest Athletes Connected video, lacrosse goalie and U-M SAAC mental health liaison Mira Shane describes her journey from high school to college and its implications on her mental health. This is a heart-felt and uplifting view on one's mental health as Shane recognizes key things that aid her success in college.  [ Watch ]
The New Gameplan: How to Transition from High School to College

"The key to success is very similar to your path to athletic success; preparation and practice. You learn the skills, practice them for mastery, and then trust in your training."
- Jevon Moore

Jevon Moore, U-M Athletics counseling intern and mental health outreach coordinator, writes about the common challenges of transitioning into college sports and shares the keys to a successful transition. Moore was a football student-athlete at N.C. State.
The Choice is Yours

"The three choices that I make on a consistent basis to ensure that I am putting myself in the best position to combat this disease include exercise, taking my medication, and constantly checking in with my support team."
- Halle Wangler

Former U-M women's basketball student-athlete Halle Wangler describes her battle with bipolar disorder, the loss of her mother, and the daily steps she takes to overcome the disease. [ Read More ]
Restorative Yoga and Mental Fitness & Wellness Groups Are Back in Session

University of Michigan student-athletes will once again have the opportunity to build positive coping skills through restorative yoga and mental fitness & wellness groups provided by Athletes Connected. Both of these started in early October and will be available on an alternating weekly schedule for the rest of the semester.
#SameHere Sit-Down

On Oct. 2, Athletes Connected hosted the #SameHere Sit-Down event as part of a college tour produced by The Global Mental Health Alliance: We're All A Little "Crazy." The event featured opportunities for candid and revealing conversations with NBA champion Derek Anderson, ESPN reporter Darren Rovell, and founder of the #SameHere Movement Eric Kussin, combined with live music from Luke James Shaffer and a team of students from the U-M School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. At the end of the night, SAAC mental health liaison Mira Shane, and Assistant Director of Athletic Counseling Abigail Eiler, joined the other speakers as part of a panel Q&A for the event.
Athlete Mental Health In the News
Spotlight: Other Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiatives
Mental Health Training for WSU Student-Athletes

Washington State University Athletics and their Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) are starting mental health trainings for their student-athletes through a program called Strength is Asking for Help: Athlete to Athlete Mental Health Training. The program will combine mental health and bystander intervention training.  [ Read More ]
Mental Health Awareness Games at Saint Peter's University      

As part of the  #A11MAACMinds mental health initiative, Saint Peter's Athletics staff and SAAC members will have each of its teams host a designated Mental Health Awareness game this year where they will wear lime green.  [ Read More ]
Athletes Connected is a partnership between the University of Michigan Depression Center, School of Public Health, and Athletic Department.

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