The issue of mental health and wellness among athletes of all levels is going to become an increasingly popular topic in the years to come. Once taboo, athletes like Michael Phelps and Kevin Love are part of a growing group that have shown others it is OK to discuss, understand and deal with the mental pressures and challenges that come with athletics and being in the limelight.
It is an area which will grow in and around all areas of team preparedness and even in the pharma community as a topic which has long been in the shadow come to light.
Another young athlete who has seen grasp the cause and is looking to not just create dialogue but also raise funds in a positive way is New Yorker Jessie Himel. Himel created a site called Band Together, which positively states the challenge and created a series of color bands for sale made by a company called Le Cle, with all proceeds going to support causes that deal with mental illness. Le Cle actually allows people to customize their wristbands with a personal message, and to raise money for charity at the same time.
The Mission Statement Jessie has created on the site is as inspiring as the bracelets are cool to design. It includes this…
As a life-long athlete, I’ve seen and experienced situations where people don’t speak up when they’re suffering from any form of mental illness as they are afraid it might imply a lack of “mental toughness.” Thankfully, as more research and educational awareness have come to prominence, more and more people are getting the help and support they need. The fact is that 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental health issue in a given year. Athletes are just as susceptible as anyone else. It’s also been incredibly inspiring to see brave people like Olympic champion Michael Phelps, actress Kristen Bell, singer Selena Gomez, Prince Harry, and many others, come forward to share their stories in the hope it will help others.
My first design is to remind people that life is not a straight line, and that Hundreds of Possibilities Exist (HOPE)
The second design is an ongoing heart monitor to remember to Carry On Pain Ends (COPE)
The third design is about breathing and focusing and to Start with a Deep Breath.”
The insular world of highly competitive sports is still not one that opens its doors or easily admits weakness, nor even with all the talk of “team” and “family” is not always as warm and welcoming a place as it should be. Still great progress is being made to de-stigmatize the area and help those big and small who might struggle alone, and there is probably no simpler, better way to literally show support than Jessie’s idea of “banding together.”
Sometimes it’s the easiest ideas that work the best. This is one worth checking out and following as the issue, and the opportunity in the space, continues to grow in a positive manner.
