Young people today face challenges that are in many ways unique and unlike the kinds of challenges faced by their parents, grandparents or other generations. Many experts believe that social media and a constant flood of information through the internet have contributed to increased rates of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among teenagers and other young people. In addition, young people today experienced a worldwide pandemic and social lockdown unlike anything in the past 100 years. According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. 50% of all mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
The good news is that more help is available now than ever before. You do not have to deal with problems alone.
Many nationally-known athletes have publicly announced their mental health struggles and have sought help. A few examples include world class gymnasts Simone Biles and Aly Raisman, swimmer Michael Phelps (the most decorated Olympian in history), tennis champions Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, fighter Ronda Rousey, NBA players Kevin Love and DeMar DeRosan, soccer star Abby Wambach, MLB baseball player Justin Duchsherer, NFL player Ricky Williams, and many, many others.
Please reach out to a family member, teacher, coach, counselor, teammate or friend if you are feeling overwhelmed. Problems are almost always temporary and can be resolved with the help of others.
PROUD PARTNERS
Free Services Provided For Student-Athletes:
Teen Counseling
(AGES 13-17)
The Chris Eaton Foundation has partnered with TeenCounseling to offer 6-months of free therapy to support you and give you a head start on your mental wellness journey.
Get started today: If you are between the ages of 13-17, click “Redeem Voucher” below and type in: chris-eaton-foundation. You’ll then be prompted to answer a few questions about your therapy needs and preferences. This helps us match you to the right therapist. Most new members are matched with their therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Better Help
(AGES 18+)
BetterHelp removes the traditional barriers to therapy to give everyone access to affordable and convenient mental health care — 100% online. We have partnered with BetterHelp to offer 3-months of free therapy to support you and give you a head start on your mental wellness journey.
Get started today: If you are 18+ years old, click “Redeem Voucher” below and type in: chris-eaton-foundation. You’ll then be prompted to answer a few questions about your therapy needs and preferences. This helps us match you to the right therapist. Most new members are matched with their therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Waking Up App
(ALL AGES)
The Waking Up app teaches you how to build mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of presence in everyday life.
The Chris Eaton Foundation has partnered with Waking Up to offer student-athletes 6-months of free access to the Waking Up app.
Get started today: Click “Redeem Voucher” below to redeem your free access to the app. Use the code CHRISEATONFOUNDATION . Enjoy your practice! Note: After the 6-months, if you find the app useful and would like to extend it, you can use this scholarship link and request for a scholarship.