Mental Health 2020
SU Athletics Communications

Shenandoah and DIII SAAC #BreakTheStigma

Inaugural Social Media Campaign to Normalize Mental Health Resources Access

5/4/2020 8:00:00 AM

By: Sydney Anderson, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

WINCHESTER, Va. - The Shenandoah University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) announces the departments participation in the inaugural Mental Health Social Media Campaign.

Designed by the NCAA Division III SAAC, the campaign's goal is to raise awareness, education and engagement in order to break the stigma of mental health and mental health illnesses in conjunction with National Mental Health Awareness Month. 

From May 4-7, our Hornets and members of Shenandoah's athletics staff will be posting pictures and quotes showing solidarity in the fight to #BreakTheStigma over the @SUHornets social media channels. 

Join us in the fight for awareness, education and engagement. Submit your tips and tricks for maintaining positive mental-health, especially during these unprecedented times, by tagging @SUHornets or sending a direct message to @SUHornets on Twitter or Instagram and using the hashtag #BreakTheStigma.

I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it’s not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat.
Author Unknown
I know mental health is often thrown around there with a negative stigma attached to it, but our emotional, psychological, and social well-being affects everything. Mental health determines everything in our lives from how we handle stress to how we relate to others and make choices.

Everyone experiences mental health differently as our life experiences, family history, and brain chemistry varies. Problems are common, especially during this unprecedented times, but help is available. We are here to support you during this pandemic and can point you to services that can help you.

In athletics there is an obvious importance placed on learning what works for our individual bodies to put us in the best position to physically perform during competition. Our brains work in similar fashion, maintaining positive mental health takes intentional practice, dedication, and repetition in building good habits.

It's important to remember that we all have different experiences and challenges; life is not easy with the added pressures of competing in athletics, succeeding in the classroom and maintaining heathy relationships with friends and family.
Sydney Anderson (Women's Lacrosse '13), Assistant Athletics Communications Director

I have been seeing my therapist, Kim, since 2015. Our work together has helped me better understand myself, my intentions behind my actions and responses to stress and anxiety, perfectionism, and shame. She has pointed me towards different resources and practices to help me develop better self-care habits and allow myself to be vulnerable in an often cold and harsh world. Kim has been an invaluable piece added into my already strong support system that was built at Shenandoah. I am thankful that I was brave enough to ignore the stigma of seeing a professional and seeking help; I am physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier because of the work we have done.

Seeking help and resources is a brave action and shouldn't be viewed as a weakness. Breaking the stigma can look different for different people but what is important is that we put mental health in the spotlight and not sweep it under the rug as it has been done historically. #BreakTheStigma
Sydney Anderson (Women's Lacrosse '13), Assistant Athletics Communications Director