University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Sun Belt to Recognize Mental Health Awareness Week with Initiatives
4/9/2018 10:15:00 AM | Athletics
NEW ORLEANS – Strong isn't wrong. In this case, #StrongAintWrong.
That's the motto the Sun Belt Conference will be carrying into Mental Health Awareness week that starts on Monday (April 9).
The Sun Belt Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently identified mental health as an issue important to student-athletes and the group discussed the stigma that exists and keeps student-athletes from seeking help. As a result, SAAC came up with the #StrongAintWrong hashtag to convey the message that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, but strength.
"Student-athletes across the country face the challenge of being their best for both competitions and work in the classroom, so it is understandable that there might be times where extra help is needed from a mental health standpoint," said Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson. "We encourage student-athletes to seek that help if needed and also to encourage their fellow student-athletes to do the same if those situations arise. We need to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and this initiative is going to be a part of that process."
As part of Mental Health Awareness week, each institution will be receiving wristbands with the moniker "#StrongAintWrong" that will be distributed to all student-athletes as well as coaches and administrators. And of course, that hashtag will carry over to social media channels across the Sun Belt and kelly green, the official color of mental health awareness, will be easily spotted.
In addition, the Sun Belt has also filmed a PSA including student-athletes and administrators, created posters for distribution on campus, and encouraged each member institution to conduct monthly educational sessions or activities.
The Sun Belt will also host a Mental Health Summit in conjunction with the league's Spring Meetings on Thursday, May 17 in Point Clear, Ala.
That's the motto the Sun Belt Conference will be carrying into Mental Health Awareness week that starts on Monday (April 9).
The Sun Belt Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently identified mental health as an issue important to student-athletes and the group discussed the stigma that exists and keeps student-athletes from seeking help. As a result, SAAC came up with the #StrongAintWrong hashtag to convey the message that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, but strength.
"Student-athletes across the country face the challenge of being their best for both competitions and work in the classroom, so it is understandable that there might be times where extra help is needed from a mental health standpoint," said Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson. "We encourage student-athletes to seek that help if needed and also to encourage their fellow student-athletes to do the same if those situations arise. We need to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and this initiative is going to be a part of that process."
As part of Mental Health Awareness week, each institution will be receiving wristbands with the moniker "#StrongAintWrong" that will be distributed to all student-athletes as well as coaches and administrators. And of course, that hashtag will carry over to social media channels across the Sun Belt and kelly green, the official color of mental health awareness, will be easily spotted.
In addition, the Sun Belt has also filmed a PSA including student-athletes and administrators, created posters for distribution on campus, and encouraged each member institution to conduct monthly educational sessions or activities.
The Sun Belt will also host a Mental Health Summit in conjunction with the league's Spring Meetings on Thursday, May 17 in Point Clear, Ala.
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