AFH Wellbeing is Athletes for Hope’s initiative dedicated to supporting athlete mental health. We equip athletes with evidence-based tools, athlete-focused education, and a strong sense of community to help you care for your mind as much as your body.
By breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations, AFH Wellbeing is creating a culture where athletes at every level feel empowered to thrive — in sport and in life.
35% of elite athletes experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, and 22% struggle with eating disorders or substance use
According to the NCAA, approximately 30% of student-athletes struggle with mental health
Athletes are in a unique position to use their platform to help people in & out of sports to normalize mental health conversations
A trusted hub for athlete mental health resources, training, and advocacy, helping athletes at every level thrive in sport and life.
A community of like-minded athletes, advocates and organizations who have joined together to destigmatize athlete mental health through community service and advocacy.
Where athletes share powerful, personal stories to destigmatize mental health conversations, inspire others to seek help, and equip athletes and fans with tools and tips to prioritize wellbeing.
Chief Wellbeing Officer
Dr. Mena Mirhom is a Columbia-trained, board-certified sports psychiatrist who leads AFH Wellbeing’s mission to transform the way athletes approach mental health. He works directly with athletes and partners through panels, events, and workshops, and hosts the Hope Heroes Podcast to share stories and strategies that break stigma and build strength.
AFH Wellbeing Program Manager
Rachel Gearhart drives the day-to-day of AFH Wellbeing, where she works directly with athletes to provide resources, build community, and create programs that put mental health first. With a background in psychology and years of experience leading national mental health initiatives, Rachel is dedicated to helping athletes break stigma and thrive both in and out of sport.
Hope Heroes is where sports and mental health collide. Hosted by Dr. Mena Mirhom, psychiatrist and Chief Wellbeing Officer at Athletes for Hope, this podcast dives into the real struggles and triumphs athletes face on and off the field. Through raw, insightful conversations with athletes and experts, Hope Heroes explores resilience, performance, and the power of mental wellness. Whether you’re an athlete or just passionate about growth, these stories will move you.
10/10/2025
The AFH Center for Athlete Wellbeing serves as a trusted destination for athlete mental health resources and training to help athletes at every level thrive in sport and life.
We encourage you to explore our core initiatives to learn how you can get involved in our work. Have another question? Please reach out!
AFH Wellbeing is a mental health and wellness resource, not a crisis or suicide response website. If you are in crisis, or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the LGBT National Hotline at (888) 843-4564. The service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
