'Cats Care: Mental Health Awareness
1/29/2021 12:59:00 PM | Women's Basketball
DAVIDSON, N.C. -- In continuing to advocate for several social justice initiatives this season, the Davidson Wildcats are focusing this week's efforts on raising awareness around mental health.
The 'Cats are working to end the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses, and will be distributing 700 wristbands throughout campus, in locations such as Union, Baker and Commons, that read "It's ok not to be ok". In addition to the wristbands, the Davidson women's basketball program will be meeting with several athletic programs on campus to discuss their initiatives this week, as well as promoting outside organizations that individuals can contribute to, to help fight mental health illnesses and the stigma surrounding it.
Facts about mental health illnesses:
The 'Cats are working to end the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses, and will be distributing 700 wristbands throughout campus, in locations such as Union, Baker and Commons, that read "It's ok not to be ok". In addition to the wristbands, the Davidson women's basketball program will be meeting with several athletic programs on campus to discuss their initiatives this week, as well as promoting outside organizations that individuals can contribute to, to help fight mental health illnesses and the stigma surrounding it.
Facts about mental health illnesses:
- 63 percent of students say that their emotional health is worse than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 60 percent of college students say the pandemic has made it harder to access mental health care.
- One in five (19 percent) students have had suicidal thoughts in the past month.
- A NCAA survey in May 2020 says student athletes rates of mental health concerns have increased by 150 -250 percent.
- 1/10 say they feel so depressed that it is difficult to function.
- Prior to COVID, 25 percent of student-athletes reported depressive symptoms.
- Only 10 percent of college athletes seek help with mental health issues.
- Individual and Group Counseling Services
- Support Groups on campus
- On-call counselor available after hours 704-894-2300
- Make an appointment by calling 704-894-2300 or by emailing: studentcounseling@davidson.edu
- Off campus resources available 24/7 for emergency:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
- Text Crisis Line (text HOME to 741741)
- Mecklenburg County Crisis (CriSyS) Hotline at (704-566-3410; select option 1)
- Educate yourself on mental health and wellness.
- Share your story, if you are comfortable doing so.
- Focus on your self-care.
- Support those around you.
- Support a mental health non-profit organization.
- Talk about mental health more openly.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of various mental health illnesses.
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