Student-athletes are used to battling visible opponents. But he has one invisible opponent. It’s mental health. Competitive pressure can lead to mental health issues, especially after his COVID-19 pandemic. That’s where hidden opponents come in. Founded by a former Division 1 athlete, in 2019 it spanned hundreds of college campuses, including Millersville College. They spread the word that there is help for depression and anxiety.”Everyone I know has struggles of some sort, some more severe than others.” Ski sought counseling after an ankle injury.” “Suddenly, running gave me nothing in return. I had to learn how to deal with that,” she confided to her coach. . Coach Andy Young said, “Now she’s helping fellow athletes.” Having a mate is great. Another thing is trying to eliminate student-athletes from reaching a point where they feel like they have no other choice,” Porekka said.
Student-athletes are used to battling visible opponents. But he has one invisible enemy. It’s mental health.
Competitive pressure can lead to mental health issues, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s where Hidden Opponent comes in. Founded in 2019 by former Division I athletes, it spans hundreds of college campuses, including Millersville College.
“We are working to end mental health stigma in sports culture,” said lacrosse player Maya Porekka.
Porekka and runner Jenna Dombrowski are campus captains. They spread the word that there is help for depression and anxiety.
“Everyone I know has some kind of struggle, some more severe than others,” Dombrowski said.
Dombrowsky sought counseling after injuring her ankle.
“I spent so much on running that suddenly I wasn’t getting anything out of it. I had to learn how to deal with that,” she said.
She confided in her coach.
“We were talking about feeling overwhelmed and how we would deal with that,” said director Andy Young.
Now she helps fellow athletes.
“It gives me experience. I know what they’re going through,” Dombrowsky said.
And it’s great to have a teammate in this fight.
“The statement is not one more, it seeks to eliminate student-athletes from reaching a point where they feel like they have no other choice,” Porekka said.
