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ANN ARBOR - A unique partnership between academics and athletics at the University of Michigan recently received a $50,000 grant from the NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice Grant Program to address the need for mental health awareness programs for student-athletes. This collaborative effort between the U-M Depression Center, School of Public Health and Athletic Department features two key elements: brief, engaging videos to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking; and informal, drop-in support groups designed to specifically address the unique concerns of student athlete. The videos feature former U-M athletes who overcame mental health issues. Their hope is that by speaking out they are helping to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging other student-athletes to seek help if needed. Former U-M football player Will Heininger and former U-M swimmer Kally Fayhee are featured in the videos. "I"d always thought that struggling was a sign of weakness, that I had to tough it out, and that being mentally tough meant putting my head down, trying harder and swimming against the current," Fayhee said in her video. "But the harder I tried, the weaker I became. One of my biggest fears was telling my coach-the disappointment, the judgment. But instead, I was met with overwhelming support and guidance." "One in three students experience significant symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions," said Daniel Eisenberg, associate professor of health management and policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health (SPH). "Yet only about 30 percent of those students seek help, and that number drops to 10 percent for student-athletes." Dr. Eisenberg also holds a position with the Institute for Social Research and is a member of the U-M Comprehensive Depression Center. Program leaders have been sharing the videos during presentations with every athletic team over the past few weeks, and are also providing bi-weekly drop-in support groups for the student athletes. There are over 900 student athletes currently enrolled at the University, representing 31 athletic teams. Athletes are often afraid to speak up if they are struggling emotionally because they fear that acknowledging a mental health problem is a sign of weakness. "Because I opened up and got help, I became a better football player, a better student, a better friend and a better person," Heininger said. "The program is going over very well with student-athletes. They have expressed that they loved the videos and loved hearing from Will and Kally, who have been present to tell more about their stories and answer questions," said Barbara Hansen, Athletic Medical Staff counselor. Data from evaluation surveys and student focus groups will help program leaders think about what a more comprehensive program would look like in the future. The goal is to expand the program beyond student-athletes to the larger student population at U-M, and eventually to other colleges and universities. "With the expertise on campus in Public Health, the Health System, Athletics and elsewhere, as well as our connection to the National Network of Depression Centers which were established by Depression Center Executive Director John Greden, U-M is in a unique position to lead this important effort on a national level," said Trish Meyer, Depression Center Manager for Outreach and Education. The U-M research team involved in this effort will present its findings at the 2015 NCAA Convention in January. U-M was one of four groups to receive funding from the NCAA and received the largest grant. To learn more about the program and to watch the videos, visit: http://athletesconnected.umich.edu/ For more information about the University of Michigan Depression Center please visit: http://www.depressioncenter.org/ Contact: Stephanie Abraham, [email protected], 734-936-8309