NFL Remains Silent on Mental Health Issues; Bryce Young Advocates for Change in Perspective
In a candid conversation, NFL star quarterback Bryce Young shares his thoughts on mental health, a topic that's often overlooked or stigmatized in professional sports. As the face of the Carolina Panthers and a former number one overall draft pick, Young acknowledges that many think of him and fellow athletes as emotionless gladiators. But Young, aged 23, is part of a new crop of athletes who refuse to shy away from discussing mental health struggles.
When it comes to football, the general public's comprehension is limited, but Young believes it's crucial for fans, both young and old, to understand that beneath the helmets, there are human beings grappling with the same issues. During his second season in the league, Young made impressive strides, doubling his win total, improving his touchdown-to-interception ratio, and addressing rookie fumble issues. Notably, he cut the number of times he was sacked in half.
As Young prepares for his third NFL season, he's hosting a football camp in Charlotte, North Carolina, where children can learn the game from a starting quarterback and gain insights on mental health awareness. Young explains, "We weave in strategies and conversations, getting kids familiar with mental health... We have a portion for the parents too, which we believe is super important."
In a recent interview with GQ, Young delved into his mental health spirals, the challenges of losing, and the importance of living authentically. Young believes mental health isn't just a matter of struggle but something ongoing that affects everyone. He advocates for more conversations about mental health to help normalize it and reduce the negative connotation often associated with it.
According to sources, the camp incorporates several strategies to promote mental health awareness, such as:
- Meditation and breathing exercises: Young and his father, Craig Young (a licensed therapist), teach kids these techniques to cope with stress and promote mental well-being.
- Mental health as an integral part of life: Young encourages kids to accept that everyone experiences ups and downs, and managing mental health effectively is crucial for all.
- Inclusivity and a supportive environment: Inspired by Kobe Bryant's youth camps, Young ensures every child feels welcome and included, fostering a supportive community.
- Football doesn't define self-worth: Young shares his personal experiences of being benched and emphasizes that worth isn't solely defined by sports performance.
- Open conversations: The camp encourages open discussions about mental health, enabling kids to freely share their feelings and concerns.
In the end, understanding and managing mental health is a personal journey. With various tools and conversations available, each individual must ultimately decide what works best for them to maintain a healthy mental state. As Bryce Young continues to advocate for mental health awareness, he hopes to create a generation of athletes and fans who understand the importance of mental health and feel comfortable discussing their struggles.
- Recognizing the impact of mental health beyond sports, Bryce Young, the quarterback for Carolina Panthers, is hosting a football camp in Charlotte, North Carolina, to educate children about mental health awareness.
- Incorporating various strategies at the camp, Bryce Young and his father, Craig Young, a licensed therapist, teach children meditation and breathing exercises to cope with stress and promote mental well-being.
- Emphasizing that everyone experiences ups and downs, Young encourages children to understand that mental health is an integral part of life and effective management is essential for all.
- Encouraging inclusivity and a supportive environment, the football camp inspired by Kobe Bryant's youth camps, ensures every child feels welcome and included, fostering a supportive community.
- Believing that worth isn't solely defined by sports performance, Young shares his experiences of being benched and emphasizes that football doesn't define self-worth, encouraging open discussions about mental health to enable children to freely share their feelings and concerns.
