Empowering Athletes: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health Advocacy

The prevailing issue that resonates deeply with me is the pervasive mental health challenges faced by young teenagers, particularly student-athletes. Academic pressures and societal changes contribute significantly to disorders like anxiety and depression. Moreover, the unequal access to sports programs compounds these challenges, as balancing academic responsibilities with sports participation may lead to overtraining and burnout.

I am Khachatur Hayrapetyan, a passionate soccer player with a love for both business and sport. My determination to learn about entrepreneurship, become a professional soccer player, and make a positive impact on the world drives me. Currently, I am a student at YSMU Heratsi High School, excelling in physics and math. As part of one of Armenia's top soccer teams, we've clinched the Armenian U18 tournament three times in a row, with my key role in the last tournament securing the victory. Being selected for the U18 Armenian national team training camp was a dream come true.

Global Issues and SDGs: The global issues I am passionate about addressing align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Mental Health Challenges (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being): A significant percentage of young teenagers grapple with mental health disorders, accentuated by academic pressures and social changes.

2. Lack of Access and Equality (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities): Unequal access to sports programs due to financial constraints, discrimination, or limited resources in schools impedes potential mental health benefits, contributing to reduced inequalities.

3. Balancing Demands (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth): Juggling academic responsibilities and sports participation can lead to overtraining and burnout, impacting mental well-being. Finding a balance between these demands is crucial for positive outcomes, aligning with quality education and decent work and economic growth.

Statistics: Alarming statistics underscore the urgency of addressing mental health in student-athletes:

• 35% of elite athletes suffer from disordered eating, burnout, depression, or anxiety.

• Only 10% of college athletes with known mental health conditions seek care from a professional.

• Female student-athletes report anxiety at 30%, and for males, it's 25%, significantly higher than the 1 in 5 adults experiencing a mental health condition during their life.

Additionally, 70% of Black athletes with mental illness do not seek treatment, highlighting the stigma in the Black community towards mental health issues.

In response to these challenges, I propose the establishment of an organization called BANANTS, focusing on Strengthening Minds, Promoting Wellness, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience Building, and Team Support.

Prevalence of Mental Health Issues:

1. Mental Health Education: Implement comprehensive mental health education programs in schools to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide coping strategies.

2. Accessible Counseling Services: Ensure schools have confidential counselling services for students to seek help.

3. Peer Support Groups: Establish peer support groups or mentoring programs for students to connect and offer mutual support.

Lack of Access and Equity:

1. Diverse Sports Offerings: Introduce varied sports options catering to different interests and abilities.

2. Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations to offer additional sports opportunities.

Balancing Demands:

1. Time Management Skills: Integrate time and stress management skills into school curricula.

2. Flexible Scheduling: Implement flexible practice and competition schedules to maintain a healthy balance.

3. Coach Training: Provide coaches with training on recognizing signs of overtraining and burnout.

In my country, the stark neglect of mental health problems leaves athletes at the mercy of coaches, often ill-equipped to handle the psychological challenges faced by sportsmen. This absence of specialists means athletes, grappling with mental and psychological issues, are left isolated, leading to profound consequences—even athletes abandoning their sports pursuits after minor setbacks. Unfortunately, these problems persist even after quitting sports, haunting individuals in their everyday lives.

Having personally witnessed the struggles of athletes navigating this unsupported terrain, I often pondered the emotional toll of leaving soccer, a sport integral to my life. This contemplation fueled my resolve to establish BANANTS, an organization dedicated to filling the void in mental health support for athletes.

In the early stages of building my organization, I envision a dynamic online platform with distinct areas designed to address the multifaceted aspects of mental health in the sports community.

S: Strengthening Minds

P: Promoting Wellness

O:Overcoming Challenges

R: Resilience Building

T: Team Support

Year 1: Establishing Foundations

1. Awareness and Education: Develop educational materials on the mental health benefits of sports and conduct workshops for students, parents, and coaches.

2. Inclusive Sports Programs: Introduce diverse sports options and initiate financial assistance programs for underprivileged students.

Year 2: Strengthening Implementation

1. Mental Health Integration: Incorporate mental health education into sports programs and provide access to counselling services for students.

2. Balanced Approach and Peer Support: Educate coaches on recognizing overtraining signs, implement flexible schedules for academics and sports, and organize team-building activities to enhance peer support.

3. Community Involvement: Collaborate with local sports clubs and establish partnerships for enhanced support.

By focusing on mental health education, access, equity, and balancing demands, BANANTS aims to empower student-athletes, foster resilience, and build a supportive community. Strengthening minds and promoting wellness will not only enhance individual well-being but also contribute to a culture where mental health is prioritized in the realm of sports. Together, we can overcome challenges and create a supportive environment that champions the holistic development of our young athletes.