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Emotional Muscles of Grief Theory Cacciatore 2010

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A Guide for Athletes Who are Working Through Grief

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A Guide for Athletes Who are Working Through Grief

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This book was created specifically for athletes, coaches, teams, and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one, a friend, or a member of their team. It includes several prompts, ideas, and insights that are customized for athletics. Use this guide to help yourself, and/or your team, navigate one of life's greatest challenges. NOTE: A full-length verison of this guide is also available

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Grief Guide - White House Sport Psychology

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Recovering After A Tragedy: A Free Meditation For Processing Grief and Tragedy

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Recovering After A Tragedy: A Free Meditation For Processing Grief and Tragedy

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Recovering After A Tragedy: A Free Meditation For Processing Grief and Tragedy

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Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor

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Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor

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Crisis Text Line | Text HOME To 741741 free, 24/7 Crisis Counseling

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Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. We're here for everything: anxiety, depression, suicide, school. Text HOME to 741741.

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If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.

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If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.

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We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

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The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

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Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

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First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

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Skip to main content We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!

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Team USA Mental Health Support Line +1-719-866-CALL (2255)

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Team USA Mental Health Support Line +1-719-866-CALL (2255)

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Claim your free copy of my e-book, Demystify Mental Health, and start your new mindset today.

My passion has always been helping people reach their goals, succeed when they thought they could only fail, and connect to deeper meaning in their lives. This is what matters most.

​

Consider this free workbook as my way of encouraging people to challenge their perceptions, decrease stigma, and rethink mental health. It is not a mystery and does not impact just some of us.

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Demystify Mental Health | Dr. Michele Kerulis

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Claim your free copy of my e-book, Demystify Mental Health, and start your new mindset today. My passion has always been helping people reach their goals, succeed when they thought they could only fail, and connect to deeper meaning in their lives. This is what matters most.

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Bereavement and Grief - Mental Health America

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Bereavement and Grief - Mental Health America

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In our hearts, we all know that death is a part of life. In fact, death gives meaning to our existence because it reminds us how precious life is.

Coping With Loss

The loss of a loved one is life's most stressful event and can cause a major emotional crisis. After the death of someone you love, you experience bereavement, which literally means "to be deprived by death."

Knowing What to Expect

When a death takes place, you may experience a wide range of emotions, even when the death is expected. Many people report feeling an initial stage of numbness after first learning of a death, but there is no real order to the grieving process. Some emotions you may experience include:

These feelings are normal and common reactions to loss. You may not be prepared for the intensity and duration of your emotions or how swiftly your moods may change. You may even begin to doubt the stability of your mental health. But be assured that these feelings are healthy and appropriate and will help you come to terms with your loss.

Remember: It takes time to fully absorb the impact of a major loss. You never stop missing your loved one, but the pain eases after time and allows you to go on with your life.

Mourning A Loved One

It is not easy to cope after a loved one dies. You will mourn and grieve. Mourning is the natural process you go through to accept a major loss. Mourning may include religious traditions honoring the dead or gathering with friends and family to share your loss. Mourning is personal and may last months or years.

Grieving is the outward expression of your loss. Your grief is likely to be expressed physically, emotionally, and psychologically. For instance, crying is a physical expression, while depression is a psychological expression. It is very important to allow yourself to express these feelings. Often, death is a subject that is avoided, ignored or denied. At first it may seem helpful to separate yourself from the pain, but you cannot avoid grieving forever. Someday those feelings will need to be resolved or they may cause physical or emotional illness.

Many people report physical symptoms that accompany grief. Stomach pain, loss of appetite, intestinal upsets, sleep disturbances and loss of energy are all common symptoms of acute grief. Of all life's stresses, mourning can seriously test your natural defense systems. Existing illnesses may worsen or new conditions may develop.

Profound emotional reactions may occur. These reactions include anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue, depression and thoughts of suicide. An obsession with the deceased is also a common reaction to death.

Dealing with a Major Loss

The death of a loved one is always difficult. Your reactions are influenced by the circumstances of a death, particularly when it is sudden or accidental. Your reactions are also influenced by your relationship with the person who died.

A child's death arouses an overwhelming sense of injustice - for lost potential, unfulfilled dreams and senseless suffering. Parents may feel responsible for the child's death, no matter how irrational that may seem. Parents may also feel that they have lost a vital part of their own identity.

A spouse's death is very traumatic. In addition to the severe emotional shock, the death may cause a potential financial crisis if the spouse was the family's main income source. The death may necessitate major social adjustments requiring the surviving spouse to parent alone, adjust to single life and maybe even return to work.

Elderly people may be especially vulnerable when they lose a spouse because it means losing a lifetime of shared experiences. At this time, feelings of loneliness may be compounded by the death of close friends.

A loss due to suicide can be among the most difficult losses to bear. They may leave the survivors with a tremendous burden of guilt, anger and shame. Survivors may even feel responsible for the death. Seeking counseling during the first weeks after the suicide is particularly beneficial and advisable.

Living with Grief

Coping with death is vital to your mental health. It is only natural to experience grief when a loved one dies. The best thing you can do is allow yourself to grieve. There are many ways to cope effectively with your pain.

Seek out caring people. Find relatives and friends who can understand your feelings of loss. Join support groups with others who are experiencing similar losses.

Express your feelings. Tell others how you are feeling; it will help you to work through the grieving process.

Take care of your health. Maintain regular contact with your family physician and be sure to eat well and get plenty of rest. Be aware of the danger of developing a dependence on medication or alcohol to deal with your grief.

Accept that life is for the living. It takes effort to begin to live again in the present and not dwell on the past.

Postpone major life changes. Try to hold off on making any major changes, such as moving, remarrying, changing jobs or having another child. You should give yourself time to adjust to your loss.

Be patientIt can take months or even years to absorb a major loss and accept your changed life.

Seek outside help when necessary. If your grief seems like it is too much to bear, seek professional assistance to help work through your grief. It's a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek help.

Helping Others Grieve

If someone you care about has lost a loved one, you can help them through the grieving process.

Share the sorrow. Allow them - even encourage them - to talk about their feelings of loss and share memories of the deceased.

Don't offer false comfort It doesn't help the grieving person when you say "it was for the best" or "you'll get over it in time." Instead, offer a simple expression of sorrow and take time to listen.

Offer practical help Baby-sitting, cooking and running errands are all ways to help someone who is in the midst of grieving.

Be patientRemember that it can take a long time to recover from a major loss. Make yourself available to talk.

Encourage professional help when necessary. Don't hesitate to recommend professional help when you feel someone is experiencing too much pain to cope alone.

Helping Children Grieve

Children who experience a major loss may grieve differently than adults. A parent's death can be particularly difficult for small children, affecting their sense of security or survival. Often, they are confused about the changes they see taking place around them, particularly if well-meaning adults try to protect them from the truth or from their surviving parent's display of grief.

Limited understanding and an inability to express feelings puts very young children at a special disadvantage. Young children may revert to earlier behaviors (such as bed-wetting), ask questions about the deceased that seem insensitive, invent games about dying or pretend that the death never happened.

Coping with a child's grief puts added strain on a bereaved parent. However, angry outbursts or criticism only deepen a child's anxiety and delays recovery. Instead, talk honestly with children, in terms they can understand. Take extra time to talk with them about death and the person who has died. Help them work through their feelings and remember that they are looking to adults for suitable behavior.

Looking to the Future

Remember, with support, patience and effort, you will survive grief. Some day the pain will lessen, leaving you with cherished memories of your loved one.

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In our hearts, we all know that death is a part of life. In fact, death gives meaning to our existence because it reminds us how precious life is. Coping With Loss The loss of a loved one is life's most stressful event and can cause a major emotional crisis.

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How you might be feeling when someone dies

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How you might be feeling when someone dies

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"When someone dies, particularly someone you were close to, it can be devastating and overwhelming. Bereavement affects us all, but everyone will cope with it differently and experience different feelings."

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how you might be feeling when someone dies

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How you might be feeling when someone dies

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When someone dies, particularly someone you were close to, it can be devastating and overwhelming. Bereavement affects us all, but everyone will cope with it differently and experience different feelings.

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Self-Care Strategies for Managing Secondary Traumatic Stress

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Self-Care Strategies for Managing Secondary Traumatic Stress

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While empathy is a useful skill for people in helping professions like counselors, teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders, providing care for individuals can be mentally and emotionally taxing depending on their needs. In fact, the expectation to empathize with clients who have experienced any kind of traumatic experience can lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS), otherwise known as vicarious trauma.

"Any time that [counselors] express empathy, we are not just using a counseling skill of empathy, but we're actually engaging in an experience of our personhood," said Dr. Nate Perron, clinical assistant professor and core faculty member at Counseling@Northwestern, the Online Master of Arts in Counseling Program from The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

"Any time that [counselors] express empathy, we are not just using a counseling skill of empathy, but we're actually engaging in an experience of our personhood."

Protecting themselves from experiencing STS while providing support can be a balancing act, but one that counselors will need to practice in order to provide the appropriate care for their clients.

What Is Secondary Traumatic Stress?

According to the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), "Secondary traumatic stress (STS) refers to the natural consequent behaviors and emotions that often result from knowing about a traumatizing event experienced by another and the stress resulting from helping, or wanting to help, a traumatized or suffering person."

"Secondary traumatic stress (STS) refers to the natural consequent behaviors and emotions that often result from knowing about a traumatizing event experienced by another and the stress resulting from helping, or wanting to help, a traumatized or suffering person."

Source: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit Glossary of Terms. Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/vtt/glossary-terms.

For mental health professionals, the risk of STS can be an occupational hazard because counselors can begin to feel feelings that are similar to what their clients experience as they work together. Nearly half of practicing counselors reported experiencing symptoms of STS in a study published in 2019 by The Professional Counselor.

"When we are truly in that authentic place of interacting with someone and engaging them through their trauma, we will most certainly experience some sort of ramification from that in one way or another," Dr. Perron said.

STS is related to compassion fatigue. However, individuals can have STS without compassion fatigue, which is viewed as a combination of STS and burnout, or emotional exhaustion.

People of all ages and levels of work experience can be affected by STS. And secondary trauma can work in conjunction with stress from their own problems to overwhelm the helping professional.

"In fact, the final trigger for some people who might seem to be functioning extremely well can be very unique to the individual," he said. "It might be based on what current life stressors they're going through themselves at a particular moment, or maybe a loss that they just had, or grief that they're experiencing within their own life."

What Are Ways of Identifying Secondary Traumatic Stress?

Anyone can have a bad day or an "off" day, but knowing when an individual is developing secondary traumatic stress is vital for maintaining personal health and well-being. Not everyone is affected in the same way or exhibits the same warning signs.

"It would be really individualized for different people," Dr. Perron explained. "However, as we look at what signs are used, for instance, in the diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those same types of stress symptoms could be evident with secondary traumatic stress."

Signs of Secondary Traumatic Stress

Dr. Perron highlighted these potential signs of STS:

Hypervigilance. Worrying intensely or having recurring thoughts.

Nightmares. Waking from dreams with intense dread and fear.

Change in sleep habits. Sleeping too much or too little.

Change in appetite. Eating too much or too little.

New anxieties or fears. Suddenly being afraid of the familiar.

Increasing agitation. More easily losing patience and snapping at others.

Loss of pleasure. Lacking interest in once-favorite activities or hobbies.

Somatic condition. Having a physical response (pain, weakness) to distress.

Inability to do work. Struggling to perform tasks and handle responsibilities.

By addressing the signs of STS, counselors can prevent jeopardizing their professional performance. The American Counseling Association (ACA) reports that negative outcomes associated with vicarious trauma can include low motivation, increased errors, decreased quality, avoidance of responsibilities, perfectionism, and lack of flexibility (PDF, 102 KB).

How to Manage Secondary Traumatic Stress

There is serious risk in overlooking STS, so counselors need to stay vigilant about proactively looking for dangerous signs.

"I think probably one of the most important factors is a level of self-awareness-that self-reflective process to be able to look internally and recognize, 'OK, here are my own trigger signs. Here are the warning signs that I'm getting to a bad place,'" Dr. Perron said.

To engage in that self-reflective process, he recommends that counselors seek their own counseling, lean on colleagues or other professionals in the space, or connect on a deeper level with loved ones to work through problems.

And just as warning signs can vary by the individual, effective coping techniques can vary. Dr. Perron and SAMHSA's Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care for Crisis Counselors guide offer the following tips for professionals:
Set boundaries
Balance the pressures of work with other activities.
Get enough sleep
Maintain physical health and allow for rest.
Eat healthy foods
Support mental and physical health with good nutrition.
Be active
Boost feel-good endorphins with physical activity.
Connect with friends and loved ones
Process emotions by opening up.
Use peer support
Share with colleagues who have similar experiences.

Dr. Perron acknowledges that setting boundaries can be the most difficult coping strategy, but they are critical for the profession.

"When you exercise empathy as a profession regularly, it's really tough to say no, but we have to say no at different times to be our best for the people that we do see," he said.

Resources for Coping With Secondary Traumatic Stress

More information about STS can be found below.

Organizations and Websites

The American Institute of Stress: self-assessment, webinars, podcast series, and more from this nonprofit organization.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: STS resources for helpers from an organization that serves traumatized children, their families, and communities.

Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL): health measure assessment, manuals, and handouts aimed at healthcare workers from the site managed by the Center for Victims of Torture.

Secondary Traumatic Stress Innovations and Solutions Center, Center on Trauma and Children: screeners, podcasts, and other material for the workforce helping children and families address child abuse and trauma.

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) Consortium: hub of information gathered by and for researchers, trainers, practitioners, and advocates with a goal to advance the field of secondary traumatic stress toward health.

Toolkits, Factsheets, and Guides

Citation for this content: Counseling@Northwestern, the Online Master of Arts in Counseling Program from The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

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Self-Care Strategies for Managing Secondary Traumatic Stress

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While empathy is a useful skill for people in helping professions like counselors, teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders, providing care for individuals can be mentally and emotionally taxing depending on their needs. In fact, the expectation to empathize with clients who have experienced any kind of traumatic experience can lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS), otherwise known as vicarious trauma.

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The Five Stages of Grief Explained (With Examples)

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The Five Stages of Grief Explained (With Examples)

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Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure.

Grieving has five stages known as part of the framework that helps to identify our feelings. The five stages of grief are typically identified as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Jump ahead to these sections:

These stages, much like our grief responses, evolve as our pain from loss ebbs and flows. Grief is the human response to loss that's evident in many individuals, but not all. Our grief is as individual as we are unique, and not everyone will experience it the same way.

Grief is a continuous process in which we learn to endure our suffering. In the end, it teaches us about love and loss and how to move forward from profound heartbreak and sorrow. How we find the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss is an individual path that must be lived through and experienced to find its truths.

Where Do the Five Stages of Grief Come From?

The five stages of grief stem from recognizing that certain threads link the grieving process in many individuals. The concept of having a defined five stages of grief comes from the noted Swiss American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926 - 2004) in her book, On Death and Dying . This is where she first set out her theory of grief, flowing in five stages and applying to individuals who suffer the death of a loved one and other extreme, life-altering experiences and different types of grief .

Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, it's tough to handle both the emotional and technical aspects of their unfinished business without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.

What Situations Do the Five Stages of Grief Apply To?

The five stages of grief aren't confined to those who suffer the death of a loved one. Other life-altering traumatic events also cause individuals to grieve and experience some or all of the grieving process stages. Here are a few events in one's life that may trigger some or all of these grief reactions.

A breakup or divorce

Getting fired from a job

Losing a home to foreclosure or disaster

Moving away from friends and family

Incarceration or other isolation

List of the Five Stages of Grief

Although everyone processes grief according to their experiences and relationship to the loss suffered, there are specific characteristics to suffering. These are defined in stages that most people will go through as they process their loss. Mental health professionals identify these stages as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

The stages of grief help guide us to understanding grief and its effects. This structure helps us formulate ways in which to cope with grief and loss. Not everyone will go through each stage of the grieving process, and most who do will not do so chronologically.

The denial stage of grief may last for weeks, months, or years. It's a gradual process of weaning from the shock of getting the news that your loved one's died. Overcoming the overwhelming disbelief that your loved one's gone may also make you temporarily forget that your loved one's died.

Denial can be an effective shield against the harsh reality and brutal impact of a significant loss. It gives you time to process your feelings and emotions in stages rather than dealing with them all at once.

Example: A person who denies that their loved one has died may tell the children that their other parent is off at work and won't be coming home soon. The survivor may start believing this fantasy themselves the more they repeat the fabrication. They may continue to set an extra place at the dinner table, refuse to remove their possessions or expect them to walk through the door at any given moment.

The second stage of grief is often described as the anger stage. The shift from grief to anger unfolds differently for every person grieving the loss of a loved one. There are many reasons why you might feel angry after losing someone you hold dear.

Often, people who are suffering express anger at the situation, at the person who died, the person or events causing their loved one's death, and sometimes even their higher power. Anger also tends to surface when a person is reluctant to accept that life must go on without their loved one in it. They may also be angry at themselves for not preventing their loved one's death.

Example: A person experiencing anger at the death of a loved one may direct that anger toward the hospital staff and administration for not saving their loved one's life. They may file a complaint with the medical board against the primary doctor responsible for their loved one's care, write a nasty letter to the hospital administration complaining of the staff and doctors, or may even file a lawsuit claiming negligence and damages.

Bargaining

The fourth stage of grief is that of desperate bargaining with God or others or seeking ways to change the circumstances of your loved one dying. Bargaining becomes the grieving person's vain expression of hope that they can reverse their loved one's demise. Characteristics of the bargaining stage can include attempting to negotiate with others the reversal of the painful situation or for things to go back to how they were before the loss.

In this stage, a person may have preoccupations with what they could've done differently to prevent their loved one's death or change the outcome.

Example: A young mother sets out to do her weekly grocery shopping and, in the middle of her hurriedness, forgets her child strapped into the car seat inside her hot car. Her child then suffers from asphyxiation and later dies.

In her guilt and remorse, she apologizes for her mistake and begs God to take her instead. She makes all sorts of promises to her higher power that if only somehow he could reverse the tragedy, she'll give her life instead, knowing that this isn't possible.

Depression

During the depression stage of grief, a bereaved person will realize the certainty of death. They acknowledge that they can do nothing to change the outcome of death. The grieving individual loses all hope that their loved one will return and no longer has the energy to keep fighting for a different result.

A certain emptiness begins to settle in, and more profound grief takes over. While depression is an unnatural state of despair, it's a natural phase that prepares you for the acceptance stage . It's a necessary step to detaching oneself from the emotional aspect of the situation or loss. A key factor of depression is isolation.

Example: A widower comes to terms with their spouse's death and withdraws into themselves as a result of their grief and sorrow. They stop socializing with their friends and loved ones, stop responding to invitations, and generally keep to themselves while life passes them by. They'll typically feel a profound sense of sadness and sorrow that they can't shake off.

Acceptance

In the last stages of the grieving process, acceptance starts to settle in. In this final phase, grieving individuals can start coming to terms with their mortality and that of their loved ones. They may reach a final contemplation and acceptance of the circumstances surrounding their loved one's death and that they can't change their new reality.

The impact that their loss has on their life and relationships also begins to take shape. Acceptance doesn't mean that they're okay with their loss or that they've forgotten what's happened. It's about embracing the present to move into the future under the changed circumstances.

Example: A grieving father whose child was murdered begins a lifelong mission to avenge their child's death. They join forces with the police officials to bring the murderer to justice while pursuing every legal avenue to make the perpetrator pay.

In the midst of advocating, their relationships begin to suffer, and they lose sight of who they are. Then before the sentencing phase of the murderer's trial, the father comes to terms with the circumstances surrounding their child's death, accepts an apology, and lets the judicial system take over.

What Are the Alternative Models of Grief?

There are four overall grief models, with Dr. Kübler-Ross's theory on death and dying being the early model. It's based on her observations of grieving individuals through a controlled and conducted study of certain patients under her care. Her model suggests that people suffer in stages depending on their experiences. However, she has also acknowledged that not everyone will experience all of the stages of grief, and not always in a prescribed order.

In more recent times, other clinicians developed competing models of grief that expand on how a person experiences grief and deals with loss. The most popular alternative models of grief to Dr. Kübler-Ross' model are:

Four Tasks of Mourning

1. William Worden is another clinical therapist that developed his version of the model of grief that has some similarities to the Kübler-Ross model called the Tasks of Mourning . However, their theories have some significant differences in that the Worden model emphasizes that grief requires work, commitment, and active participation to get through. The tasks assigned to the grieving individual are to:

2. Accept the reality of the loss.

3. Work through to the pain of grief.

4. Adjust to an environment without the deceased in it.

5. Find a lasting connection with the deceased while starting a new life.

Dural Process Model

The Dual Process of Grief model, developed by Margaret Stroebe and Henk Strut, focuses on the person who's died and the suffering individual's emotions around their loss. Survivors can avoid their loss by dealing with other life changes to deflect some of the focus off their loss.

This alternating of focus between loss and what the bereaved want in their present life after loss helps the grieving individual adjust the amount of grief they can process at any given time. Doing so helps with the overwhelming feelings that often accompany loss by taking in suffering in bits and pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Stages of Grief

Do people experience all stages of grief?

The five stages of grief are a guideline that's useful in alerting you to specific patterns and behaviors common to the grief process. Not everyone will experience suffering in this tidy linear model, nor will they experience all stages of grief. Some individuals may not grieve at all.

While not everyone goes through all the five stages, some grief reactions are predictable and familiar to many grieving individuals. Almost everyone who's suffered a significant loss will process their grief-related thoughts and feelings in the weeks and months following a tragic event.

How long does grief last?

Grief lasts as long as it needs to for an individual who's suffering a significant loss to accept it and move past the ensuing pain and suffering. For some individuals, the grieving process will last anywhere from six to twelve months. In some cases, grief may last a lifetime. Many factors can complicate the way a person reacts to a loss.

Depending on the individual's capacity to withstand tragedy, grief may resolve quicker for some than for others. A person can take steps to heal from loss by asking for help or seeking therapy.

How can you help a loved one who's grieving?

Supporting a loved one who's grieving can take on many different shapes. You can expect a grieving individual to need emotional support during the initial stages of grief and then again as their grief ebbs and flows. Other ways to lend support include physical, mental, and financial, among others.

A person dealing with the loss of a loved one may experience secondary losses that might not be evident to others, such as losing emotional and financial support from a spouse. You can start by offering your time to do household chores, baby or pet sitting services, or meal preparation.

How do people typically treat grief?

Ordinarily, grieving individuals won't seek professional help to combat the signs of grief. They may turn to friends and family for support who may not be able to offer the best care and advice for someone who's suffering through the complications of grief. Those who seek outside help typically turn to their church leaders for guidance, online grief support groups, and professional grief counselors and therapists to help guide them through their suffering.

Of the remaining, many bereaved persons will suffer in silence until their grief shows up in alarming ways forcing an intervention. By then, they've most likely suffered through profound pain, sadness, hopelessness, and despair.

Recognizing the Grief Stages

Grief is individual to each person who's ever suffered through loss. However, the way we process grief and come to terms with our losses have some commonly identifiable commonalities. Even though every person deals with grief and loss differently, many shared experiences join us in our suffering.

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The Five Stages of Grief Explained (With Examples) | Cake Blog

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"When people [based in the U.S.]  call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary."

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"When people [based in the U.S.]  call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary."

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988 is now the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (or 988 Lifeline). On July 16, 2022, the Lifeline transitioned away from the National Suicide Prevention Line reached through a 10-digit number to the three-digit 988 Lifeline. It is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant).

When people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing 988 Lifeline network, made up of over 200 local crisis centers. These counselors are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, and connect them to resources. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
The previous 988 Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
The 988 Lifeline's network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005 and has been proven to be effective. Trained counselors listen, provide support, and connect to resources when appropriate.

Callers who follow the "press 1" prompt are connected to the Veterans Crisis Line. A Spanish Language line is available by pressing 2 when calling 9-8-8, and more than 240 languages are supported through a Tele-Interpreters service. Callers now also have the option of following a "press 3" prompt to be connected to a counselor specifically trained in supporting LGBTQI+ callers.

Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a 988 Lifeline counselor.

Answer the call! 988 Lifeline centers are looking to bring on new volunteers and paid employees. You will receive training, so if you are looking to make a difference for those in crisis, apply today. Find your opportunity: 988lifeline.org/careers

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988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by...

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How to Cope With the Sudden Loss of a Loved One

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How to Cope With the Sudden Loss of a Loved One

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When you are dealing with the sudden death of a loved one, talking to others can be greatly beneficial. Not only will being around others be comforting, it can help make your grief more manageable. Talking with others allows you to accomplish two things.

The first is you can share your feelings with others who are experiencing the same pain. Talking about this can even help you come to terms with the unexpected loss.

The second advantage of talking to others is that you can reminisce over memories of the deceased. Talking about the positive experiences you shared can help make you feel better. Additionally, it's a great way to offer and receive the emotional support you need during this difficult time.

If you are experiencing any of the psychological symptoms of grief, or physical symptoms like problems sleeping or lack of appetite, don't be afraid to seek professional help. When a loved one dies suddenly, it can be a traumatic experience. Rather than letting symptoms worsen or develop into a bigger mental health issue, seek out counselling if you think you need it.

A professional counsellor or psychologist can help you work through the emotions you are dealing with. If you need additional resources or support, a licensed professional can recommend or prescribe the help you may need.

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How to Cope With A Sudden Loss Of A Loved One

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The unexpected death of a loved one can be a difficult experience. Although we all know that death is a part of everyone's life, the sudden death of a loved one will still be emotional nonetheless. Take a read through this article for some helpful advice on how to deal with this loss.

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"Grief is the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of a beloved person.

Grief often includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future. Intense grief can become life-threatening through disruption of the immune system, self-neglect, and suicidal thoughts.

Grief may also take the form of regret for something lost, remorse for something done, or sorrow for a mishap to oneself.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology"

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Grief is the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of a beloved person.

Grief often includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future. Intense grief can become life-threatening through disruption of the immune system, self-neglect, and suicidal thoughts.

Grief may also take the form of regret for something lost, remorse for something done, or sorrow for a mishap to oneself.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

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Grief is the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of a beloved person.

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American Counseling Association Grief and Loss Resources

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American Counseling Association Grief and Loss Resources

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Grief is a natural reaction to loss or change.

Grief is most commonly discussed in relation to the death of a loved one, however grief can be experienced following any major change.

ACA offers the following resources for counselors and the public to aid in the processing of grief and loss.

Practice Briefs & Other Resources

Practice Briefs

The ACA Center for Counseling Practice, Policy and Research offers Practice Briefs for ACA members. Practice Briefs, written by scholars in the counseling profession, are research-based summaries of best practices, evidence-based practices and research-based approaches covering a wide variety of client-presenting issues and counseling topics. Each Practice Brief is several pages in length, includes references and has been peer-reviewed by two co-editors before being accepted for publication. The Practice Briefs, which are available to ACA members only, include:
Online Courses
Complicated Grief: An Evolving Theoretical Landscape
Speakers: Laurie A. Burke, A. Elizabeth Crunk MS, E. H. Mike Robinson III

Identifying and Addressing Grief and Loss Issues in a Person with Aphasia: A Single Case Study
Speakers: Elizabeth A. Dougherty Horn PhD, Judith A. Crews, Beth Guryan, Bessie M. Katsilometes

When Grief Becomes Complicated
Speaker: Antonietta Corvasce

Thinking Differently About Loss and Grief in the 21st Century
Speaker: Keren Humphrey
Other ACA Resources
Good Grief (10 card sets available) by Bradley Erford
Most children go through difficult times at some point in their lives such as the divorce of their parents, association with trouble-making friends or adjusting to changes at school or home. This innovative counseling-based board game developed by Dr. Bradley Erford helps children understand and cope with a wide range of life issues through play therapy. By purchasing different card sets, the same board can be used to create a variety of games.

"Grow, Connect, Empower!" Toolkit
This online learning toolkit was developed in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. With content developed by experienced counseling professionals who are members of ACA (including seven past presidents of ACA), these podcasts and tip sheets provide credible guidance and support on many timely topics, including grief and loss.

Books

Counseling Strategies for Loss and Grief
by Keren M. Humphrey
This practice-oriented book describes a range of effective counseling strategies appropriate for the treatment of diverse loss and grief issues commonly presented in individual, family and group psychotherapy settings. Based on contemporary understanding of the nature of personal and interpersonal loss and the ways in which people integrate loss and grief into their lives, this innovative book focuses on tailoring interventions to the uniqueness of the griever's experience.

OTHER GRIEF AND LOSS RESOURCES

The American Counseling Association offers these links as a resource. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement from ACA for the agencies or the services they provide.
For General Information on Grief For Death from AIDS For Death of Armed Forces or Law Enforcement Personnel For Death of a Child/Children For Homicide Survivors For Life-Challenging Illness For Youth

The Dougy Center
The Dougy Center provides a safe place for those-children, teens, young adults and their families-who are grieving a death to share their experiences. We do this through peer support groups, education and training.

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Grief is a natural reaction to loss or change. Grief is most commonly discussed in relation to the death of a loved one, however grief can be experienced following any major change. ACA offers the following resources for counselors and the public to aid in the processing of grief and loss.

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Audio: You are not alone.

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U.S. Soccer Recognize to Recover - Mental Health 

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U.S. Soccer Recognize to Recover - Mental Health 

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WHAT ARE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES/DISORDERS?

In order to be considered a mental disorder, an individual must have several symptoms at once, which are severe enough to disrupt normal daily functioning and must occur for a certain length of time. The American Psychiatric Association's DSM- 5 defines a mental health disorder as a "syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulator, or behavior that reflects dysfunction in psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning. An expectable or culturally approved response to a common stressor or loss, such as the death of a loved one, is not a mental disorder..." Needless to say there are plenty of stressors that occur that can cause or put an individual at risk for developing mental health disorders or mental health concerns. Mental health issues are a serious concern and important to recognize in ourselves or others so we can provide the most timely and effective treatment.

Athletes are just as likely to suffer from mental health issues as non-athletes. The very nature of sport can bring about psychological issues in athletes, even though participation in athletics has many benefits. It is important to understand the signs of mental health disorders and how to address them to limit impact on participation in sport and daily life.

COVID 19 AND MENTAL HEALTH

During this unprecedented time of the Coronavirus Pandemic, our lives have been disrupted. Training, playing and even watching sports is different in our current landscape. This crisis can cause negative impacts on our mental and emotional wellbeing. It is important to be aware of the impact this can have on our health so we can help ourselves. Self-care and knowledge of resources that are available are helpful in times of crisis.

The cancellations of competitions, training sessions and disruption to your normal schedule can be difficult to deal with. Understand that you are not alone. The World's sporting community is with you. There are resources available for you to help cope with this sense of loss, the lack of normalcy and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

The most important thing to focus on in this COVID-19 landscape is the health and safety of yourself and your loved ones. That means following the guidelines and orders set in place by the CDC, local and federal governments.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Creating a safe and inclusive environment involves being able to recognize and refer individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues. Below is a resource, which will be part of an education course, geared towards helping coaches, referees, administrators, and parents understand the importance of awareness of mental health issues amongst their athletes, the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment, and resources to refer individuals to access the help they may need.

COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IN ATHLETES

" BIPOLAR AND PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
" SPORT-RELATED CONCUSSION
" SUBSTANCE USE AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
" GAMBLING DISORDER AND OTHER BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS
" POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND OTHER TRAUMA- RELATED DISORDERS

" SLEEP DISORDERS AND SLEEP CONCERNS
" MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS
" ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
" ANXIETY AND RELATED DISORDERS
" EATING DISORDERS
" SUICIDE

UNIQUE BENEFITS OF BEING AN ATHLETE

Learned time management skills and
Strategies for prioritizing goals and important life experiences
Social support of teammates, coaches and staff members
Seeing and experiencing the world; new cultures or other perspectives from interactions with a variety of people
Stress relief and mood boosting benefits of physical activity
Overcoming obstacles
Positive relationships with coaches and peers centered on growth mindset
Working with teammates to better each other
Self-reliant, able to courageously face challenges and overcome obstacles
Applying mental and physical lessons to non-sport related issues
Focusing and striving to achieve a common goal/success

UNIQUE STRESSORS OF ATHLETES

Demanding training schedule
Balancing demands of sport w/ school/social/family responsibilities
Developing social relationships
Frequent travel
Competitive stress
Injuries
Coach-Athlete relationship
Competition with teammates
Internal and socially encouraged pattern of toughing it out alone
Managing transition out of sport (e.g. out of club/ collegiate athletics, retirement)
Media pressure
Overtraining, staleness and burnout

EVENTS THAT CAN TRIGGER MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS

Any event that requires adaptation and coping can produce stress, which can lead to emotional problems. These "triggers" are generally thought to be negative life experiences, but positive life experiences can also cause stress and an emotional reaction. Examples can be getting married, or buying a house. For an athlete positive experiences like becoming a starter or getting more playing time are positive but can cause an increase in stress. There are also many negative experiences that can trigger psychological concerns.

Behaviors to Monitor:
Any changes in mood, appearance or behavior could be an indication of a psychological concern. These behaviors can be seen in how an athlete acts, what they say or in how they relate to others.

The following are behaviors to be aware of and monitor so that they can be addressed quickly and effectively:
* Changes in sleeping/eating habits
* Unexplained weight loss
* Drug or alcohol abuse
* Gambling issues
* Withdrawing from social contact
* Decreased interest in activities that have been enjoyable
* Taking up risky behaviors
* Talking about death, dying or "going away"
* Loss of emotion, or sudden change in emotion with-in a short period of time
* Becoming more irritable or problems managing anger
* Problems concentrating, focusing or remembering
* Frequent complaints of fatigue, illness or being injured that prevent participation
* Unexplained wounds (e.g. burns, cuts, bite marks) or efforts to conceal them

The following are behaviors that are concerning and affect the academic and athletic life of an athlete:
* Drop in academic activity " Grades/class attendance
* Poor attendance to sport trainings, team meetings, team functions
* Great decrease in athletic performance
* Increased or persistent physical complaints without clear medical cause

The following are triggering events that athletes may experience and could lead to mental health concerns:
* Poor performance or perceived "poor" performance by athlete
* Conflicts with coaches or teammates
* A debilitating injury or illness resulting in loss of playing time, future opportunities or surgery
* Concussions
* Issues with non-athletic related life " Class/school issues-schedule, grades, workload " Family/relationship issues
* Changes in importance of sport " Expectations by self/parents " Role of sport in life
* Violence " Being assaulted " Domestic violence " Automobile accident " Witnessing personal injury or assault of family member, friend or teammate
* Death of a loved one or close friend
* Social media
* Alcohol or drug use
* Significant dieting or weight loss
* History of physical or sexual abuse
* Gambling issues
* Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

ANXIETY

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the United States. Symptoms of anxiety worsen with added stress. Performance expectation in sport can be a large factor among many for athletes dealing with anxiety.

Physical Symptoms

Feeling physically tense, uptight, on-edge or fatigued
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Changes in appetite (increased eating or difficulty eating)
Pounding heart, sweating, shaking or trembling
Inability to concentrate, difficulties focusing

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

Excessive feelings of worry, fear or dread that are difficult to control
Preoccupation of what could go on in the future
Feelings ranging from general uneasiness to complete immobilization
Feeling jumpy or easily startled
Feeling of being out of control

How to help yourself or others:

* Reach out to a close friend, teammate, family member or trusted authority figure (coach, teacher)
* Talk to your primary care physician, team physician, athletic trainer or sports medicine professional
* Find a mental health provider in your community
" MentalHealth.gov
" National Alliance on Mental Health Illness
* Use resources at school or university (counselors, mental health care providers, student health/wellness)
" http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/mentalhealth- educational-resources
* Use online resources
* Take an active approach to your treatment to develop a plan that works for you
* Be mindful of triggers or stressors
* Practice self-care (quality sleep, eat well, and use stress management techniques)

Risk factors that can predispose you to developing anxiety:

Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects all populations across the United States. Many times depression is related to other issues outside of sport participation, however, athletes may experience depression following an injury, or in response to the end of their athletic career.

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

Sad, anxious or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
Thoughts or talk about death, suicide or of "not being around anymore"
Restlessness or irritability

Risk factors that can predispose you to developing depression:

How to help yourself or others:

* Reach out to a close friend, teammate, family member or trusted authority figure (coach, teacher)
* Talk to your primary care physician, team physician, athletic trainer or sports medicine professional
* Find a mental health provider in your community
" MentalHealth.gov
" National Alliance on Mental Health Illness
" National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK)
* Use resources at school or university (counselors, mental health care providers, student health/wellness)
* Use online resources
* Develop a trust and open communication with your mental health provider
* Practice self-care (quality sleep, eat well, stress management techniques)

Suicide

For individuals age 10-24, suicide is the second leading cause of death. Identifying those at risk, and helping to reduce the stigma around seeking help, we can reduce the numbers of suicides.

SIGNS OF SERIOUS DANGER:
IMMEDIATE NEED FOR INTERVENTION

Getting affairs in order, giving away possessions
Saying goodbye to friends/family
Mood swings shifting from despair to calm
Interest in obtaining firearms or controlled substances
Talking about death, dying or "going away"
Self-harm behaviors

WARNING SIGNS

Talking about suicide or talking/writing about death
Hopelessness
Self-loathing or self-hatred
Social withdrawal from friends or family
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies/activities that were enjoyable
Restlessness, irritability, anxiety
Aggression or agitation
Reckless or self-destructive behavior
Increased alcohol or drug use
Dramatic mood swings

Risk factors that may predispose you to suicidal thoughts or tendencies:

* History of childhood trauma
* Interpersonal conflict
* Physical illness/injury
* Drug and alcohol use
* Prior suicide attempts
* Lack of social support; isolation from others
* History of long-term physical illness
* Family history of mental illness or substance abuse problems
* Death of close friend or relative
* Parents who are separated or divorced
* History of being bullied
* History of physical or sexual abuse
* Early exposure to violence
* Growing up in poverty or being homeless
* Experiencing discrimination
* Acting as a caregiver for others, taking on adult responsibilities as a child

How to help yourself or others:

* Get professional help immediately
* Resources are available by phone
" Call police if you or a loved one are in immediate danger
" National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
" Many mental health clinics have "walk-in" or emergency services
" MentalHealth.gov
" National Alliance on Mental Health Illness
* Don't leave the individual alone.
* Prevention is key:
" Education
" Seeking help early
" Support Resources Specific to your area/community/ school environment
" Suicide prevention programs

Myths about suicide:

**All of these myths are damaging assumptions to individuals who are in the greatest need for help. Taking this issues seriously, recognizing the signs and helping/encouraging people to access the appropriate resources will help decrease the incidence of suicides.

HOW TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Talking about mental health issues can be difficult. As athlete's it is difficult for us to admit we are struggling. Mental toughness is a big topic that is discussed and encouraged as a part of sport culture. With mental health issues, one cannot simply, "tough it out", we must rely on resources or others to help us.

The biggest part of helping athletes seek treatment for mental health issues is counteracting the stigma. It is important to generate a culture that encourages asking for help when needed. Where being vulnerable or sensitive is a strength. Where because you have a mental health issue, you are not rejected by teammates or coaches, but instead supported and encouraged to seek help.

Providing the individual with information and helping de-bunk several misconceptions or concerns about the process can help decrease the stigma and increase their change of following through with seeking the help they need from qualified providers. The following concerns can be helpful to address, even if the individual is not outwardly concerned about seeking counseling:

POTENTIAL PEOPLE INVOLVED IN IDENTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN ATHLETES

" ATHLETIC TRAINER " TEACHER
" TEAM PHYSICIAN " PARENTS
" COACHES " FRIENDS
" THE ATHLETE THEMSELVES " TEAMMATES

THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN IDENTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN ATHLETES

Athletic Trainers, Coaches, Teachers, Teammates, Parents and Friends are not responsible for diagnosing specific mental health conditions, but play a key role in recognizing when there are concerns and taking action to help the athlete gain access to the necessary resources for evaluation and treatment.

If you suspect someone of having any mental health related issue or if someone has brought the issue to your attention, the following guidelines can be helpful in addressing the individual and acting to get them the help they need:

* Pull the athlete aside to speak to them in a private, non-confrontational setting
* Do NOT accuse the individual of having a mental health disorder or issues you've noticed they are exhibiting
* The first and most important step when helping someone seek the necessary resources is to assess for risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury or other harm. These warning signs are listed in the suicide section.
* ALWAYS SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP if the person's life is in immediate danger. If you have reason to believe someone may be actively suicidal call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911
* Express why it is important to address these for the individual's overall health and wellbeing
* Be sensitive and empathetic
* Listen opening and non-judgmentally-allow the individual to feel respected, accepted and understood
* Give reassurance and information-mental health issues are treatable, which people can recover from with the right help.
* Encourage appropriate help. There are many professionals who are well equipped to offer help to an individual suffering from mental health signs and symptoms.

Types of Professional Help:

* "Talk" therapies
* Medication
* Other professional supports

Types of Professionals:

* Doctors (Primary care physicians or psychiatrists)
* Social workers, counselors, and other mental health professionals
* Certified peer specialists

**It is not your responsibility to diagnose or treat an individual with mental health issues. It is you responsibility to support them and help guide them in accessing the care they need.

The first and most important step when helping someone seek the necessary resources is to assess for risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury or other harm. These warning signs are listed in the suicide section.
* ALWAYS SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP if the person's life is in immediate danger. If you have reason to believe someone may be actively suicidal call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911
* Instead express your concern for the person and give examples of specific symptoms Some examples of how to begin a discussion are listed below:
* You've looked or seemed (sad, angry, nervous) recently. How are things going for you?
* I'm concerned about (mention specific situation or incident of concern), and I'd like to be helpful if I can.
* I get the idea you've been pretty stressed out lately. Can you tell me what's going on?
* I imagine that you could have a lot of feelings about (the incident or situation presented). How is it affecting you?
* How have you been feeling lately?
* I understand that that you've been going through a tough time. How are you doing?
* When I hear you say things like (repeat the statement of concern), makes me think that you must be feeling pretty bad. Can you tell me more about it?
* What we are talking about is really important, but beyond the scope of my training. I'd like to help you find someone who is more qualified to help.
* I think it would be helpful to talk to someone about these problems. What would you think about that?

SOURCES

Chang, C., Putukian, M., Aerni, G., Diamond, A., Hong, G., Ingram, Y., ... Wolanin, A. (2019). Mental health issues and psychological factors in athletes: detection, management, effect on performance and prevention: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position Statement-Executive Summary. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(4), 216-220. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101583

Chang, C. (2020). Mental Health Issues and Psychological Factors in athletes: detection, management, effect on performance and prevention: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position Statement-Executive Summary. Br J Sports Med, 54, 216-220. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101583

Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2020, from http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/mental-health

Reardon, C. L., Hainline, B., Aron, C. M., Baron, D., Baum, A. L., Bindra, A., ... Engebretsen, L. (2019). Mental health in elite athletes: International Olympic Committee consensus statement (2019). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(11), 667-699. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-100715

USA. (2020, March 23). Retrieved April 7, 2020, from https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

Find Support | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2020, from https://www.nami.org/Find- Support

How To Get Mental Health Help | MentalHealth.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2020, from https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ get-help

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In order to be considered a mental disorder, an individual must have several symptoms at once, which are severe enough to disrupt normal daily functioning and must occur for a certain length of time.

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Experiencing A Mental Health Emergency?

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are a Team USA athlete and are looking to connect with a mental health provider (24/7) anywhere in the world who can assist in the management of mental health crises or provide resources related to mental health and wellness, please reach out to the Team USA Mental Health Support Line at +1 (719) 866-CALL.

Our Commitment to Mental Health

As part of our mission, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is committed to promoting sustained well-being for Team USA athletes. More than ever, it is critical that the USOPC empower those who are in need to seek mental health assistance, while proactively delivering mental health resources and services.

At the USOPC, we believe that competitive excellence and well-being work hand in hand, and at their best, reinforce one another. That is why we created the athlete services division in February 2019, to advance the support and resources available to Team USA athletes - specifically in the areas of athlete safety, mental health, wellness, and career and education. The new structure moved oversight of sports medicine and mental health to the athlete services division, creating separation between the people who support athlete wellness and those dedicated to athlete performance.

With guidance from our dedicated team of medical and sport psychologists, our external Mental Health Taskforce and Mental Health Officers, and collaboration with other industry leaders and sport organizations, the USOPC strives to be a trusted resource in this area.

Together, the Team USA community is raising awareness around mental health, educating athletes - and our broader U.S. Olympic and Paralympic community - on available resources and empowering those in need to seek assistance.
Click here to download Team USA's Athlete Mental Health Resource Guide.

USOPC Services for Athletes

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Experiencing A Mental Health Emergency? If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.