BOSTON – Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for college athletes. While athletes have many protective factors in place – community, resources, regular exercise – the pressure to succeed and time constraints can elevate their risk of developing suicidal thoughts. The stressful nature of participating in collegiate athletics, especially now with the added pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, can significantly affect student-athletes and their mental well-being.
Mental illness can be invisible in athletes. Athletes are performers, and are very good at hiding or masking their emotional pain. This makes recognizing student-athletes of concern challenging. While the stigma is softening toward help-seeking behaviors, barriers still exist to accessing treatment, making it difficult for athletes in need to receive necessary support.
Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. Throughout the year Suffolk Athletics will doing its part and breaking the barriers by hosting various events like Suicide Prevention cause games, speakers and panels to create spaces for Ram Nation to learn from others, take a stand and pledge, pledge to be there; be there for yourself and others.
"Our coaches, staff and student-athletes are committed to help shape the conversation around suicide and mental health," Director of Athletics Cary McConnell said. "This initiative is to help bring it into the forefront so that members of the University's community can be educated about this important issues."
McConnell continued, "We have an opportunity to reach a broad audience here. Athletics has a unique influence and reach. Our hope is that our student-athletes and staff can be vocal advocates to this cause and provide support for those who are struggling."
In the fall, the men's and women's soccer and volleyball squads will be holding their Suicide Prevention games in September, Suicide Prevention Month. Fans are encouraged to join the Rams teams and wear suicide prevention awareness colors, purple and turquoise, to the matches.
- Saturday, Sept. 10 – Women's Soccer vs. Wellesley – 12 PM – East Boston Memorial Park
- Saturday, Sept. 10 – Men's Soccer vs. Emerson – 3 PM – East Boston Memorial Park
- Monday, Sept. 12 – Volleyball vs. Lesley – 7 PM – Smith Court
Leading up to the outings, make it a mission to be there, join Suffolk Athletics in taking the pledge below.
I pledge that I will:
- Develop healthy habits and ways to cope with stress to keep you strong and resilient
- Be There for myself. Taking care of myself is as important as taking care of others
- Set an example and create an environment where asking for help and reaching out to others is a sign of strength
- Know the resources that can help you and others
- Connect with family and friends
- Be the one who reaches out
- Ask, "How can I help?"
- Consult with a professional if you need assistance
- Know your action could save a life
TAKE THE PLEDGE