Mental health is gaining traction within insurance policies, and public opinion is slowly moving. However, certain sectors of society are continually plagued by the damning stigma of mental health. Specifically, the social norms of many male-dominated arenas have hindered the ability of some to seek care, preventative or reactive. I have written about the difficulties that our soldiers and veterans are confronted with mental health issues (July 10 Post). And the same could be said for professional athletes.
It appears that, Kenny McKinley, an NFL player, recently committed suicide after battling depressive symptoms. In a subsequent article, there is evidence that Kenny had shared his suicidal ideation before taking his life. "'He had made statements while playing dominoes shortly after the surgery that he should just kill himself,' an unnamed investigator reported, via the AP. 'No one believed he was serious,'" the article stated.
The knee-jerk reaction to incidences of mental health problems in these populations is that resources should be made available to players. The reality is, however, that resources are available. In fact, as a recent article indicates (Despite Resources, Players Reluctant to Seek Help), there are services offered to help players cope with various issues (e.g., financial, family). Within their player development program, free counseling sessions and trained staff people are made available on a regular basis. Further, "The NFL Players Association hands out cards with the number of a helpline. There are life skills classes, both mandatory and voluntary, taught on a regular basis."
So why aren't players getting help?
No one can be certain why Kenny did not seek help or if it would have prevented his suicide. Yet, it is likely that the stigma of mental illness prevents players like Kenny from utilizing psychological services. As participant of society, it is important to understand how we act, react, and participate in mental health prevention and remediation; these actions dictate the connotations and stereotypes of mental health, which may influence how welcome others feel in seeking help. This is especially true in masculine jobs.
3 comments:
I look forward to the day when our society recognizes that one's emotional quotient (EQ) is just as valuable as Intellectual Quotient (IQ).
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this, Leo. I volunteer with a non-profit (www.mcsatlanta.org) that offers low-cost psychotherapy and counseling to those who have trouble affording it. It is amazing to me the challenges this group has in fundraising alone due to the lack of awareness in the area of mental health.
I am such a believer in mental health assitance. It's too bad that is still holds such a stigma, especially with men. So many could benefit from it. You are a wise soul.
Linda K.
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