AFH Wellbeing is Athletes for Hope’s program dedicated to supporting mental health through the power of sports. 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.
Brings together athletes, advocates, and partners to advance mental health through collective action. From community events and school visits to the Athlete Mental Health Alliance, this pillar activates service, connection, and advocacy to create lasting mental health change.
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.

Student-Athlete Mental Health Week (SAMHW) is a national movement dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in collegiate athletics. Every year, during the first full week of October, student-athletes, teams, and athletic departments across the country come together to wear green, share their stories, and show up for one another — because no athlete should struggle in silence.
This year, SAMHW runs October 3–10, 2026, culminating on World Mental Health Day. Athletes for Hope is proud to partner with Hilinski’s Hope to bring this week to life on campuses nationwide — equipping student-athletes with the tools, conversations, and community they need to prioritize their mental wellbeing on and off the field.
Whether you’re unboxing your SAMHW kit, completing a daily challenge, or simply wearing green — every action counts.
Athletes advocates who use their voices and lived experiences to help normalize conversations around mental health in sport. By sharing stories, engaging with communities, and promoting access to resources, ambassadors help break stigma and create supportive environments where athletes at every level feel seen, heard, and empowered.
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.
9/29/2026
By Alicia Liu, Rhythmic Gymnast When I step on the stage, everything is quiet. An exhilarating thrill fills my chest so much so that I feel as if I am…
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.