Athletes Archives - Page 5 of 8 - Athletes for Hope

Mental Health – Recognize to Recover

The Mental Side of Youth Sports | Student-Athletes Speak Out

This powerful panel brings together high school and college student-athletes to shine a light on the often-overlooked mental side of youth sports. Athletes from water polo, field hockey, lacrosse, and track share honest, first-hand experiences navigating the pressures of competitive athletics.

Pressure, Pain, and Purpose. Men’s Mental Health in Sports Panel

What does men’s mental health really look like in sports? Moderated by Dr. Mena Mirhom, this powerful panel discussion brings together athletes and mental health experts to explore how pressure, pain, and purpose shape men’s mental health in sports and beyond. Featuring former NFL running back Montee Ball alongside leading voices Dr. Pratik Mehta, Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq. and Joel Hark, M.Ed., the conversation blends lived experience with professional insight. Panelists discuss:

👉 The impact of performance pressure on men’s mental health

👉 Navigating stigma, identity, and vulnerability in sport

👉 Why mental health support must extend beyond the field

👉 How athletes, teams, and organizations can create healthier, more supportive environments

This conversation highlights the importance of normalizing mental health conversations for male athletes and empowering men to seek support—both during their careers and in life after sports. This panel was filmed in celebration of Athlete Mental Health Week 2026, presented by Athletes for Hope, Hilinski’s Hope, the Kevin Love Fund, Morgan’s Message, The Hidden Opponent, and the Sarah Shulze Foundation. For more mental health resources, visit athletewellbeing.org. If you are in crisis, or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Adaptive Ally Toolkit

The Adaptive Ally Toolkit is created for all Athlete for Hope athletes, with the goal of education and empowerment.

Mental Health in Adaptive and Para Athletes

Adaptive and para athletes commonly experience mental health symptoms and disorders accompanied by unique challenges that are often overlooked or normalized due to disability stigma.

Cannabis in Collegiate Athletes

This article outlines expert consensus that cannabis does not enhance performance, can pose health risks, and that colleges should use evidence‑based education and harm‑reduction strategies to prevent, identify, and manage problematic cannabis use among student‑athletes.