The hours of practice, the travel schedules, the stress of competing against some of the world's best athletes, and the everyday pressures of being a college student – the physical and psychological demands are intense for the young men and women who represent Oregon State Athletics in such a visible atmosphere.
The experiences of Oregon State standout gymnast Taylor Ricci and men's soccer member Nathan Braaten have led them to spearhead conversation around those demands through a mental health awareness initiative -- #DamWorthIt.
Utilize the influential platform of sport to open up the conversation around mental health in the college environment and work to end the stigma. Making every team, every sport, and every student know that they are Dam Worth It.
Every Oregon State Athletic team has a “#DamWorthIt” game or competition dedicated towards mental health awareness on our campus and across the NCAA. Along with this, the Dam Worth It campaign will work to bring speakers, workshops, education, and mental health resources to campuses.
These three pillars represent what the Dam Worth It campaign is built upon. They will serve as the methods by which Dam Worth It will end the stigma of mental health in the college environment: education, resources, awareness & comfort.
#DamWorthIt co-founders and @BeaverAthletics student-athletes Taylor Ricci and Nathan Braaten explain the three pillars of the campaign and the mission behind today's meet in Corvallis. pic.twitter.com/9CZjejpEM4
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) February 17, 2018
We can all help prevent suicide. The 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.
We provide individual, couples, and group counseling for OSU students, as well as outreach and education to OSU and the surrounding communities. Studies show that a community culture of positive mental health bolsters academic success and personal development.
Gather with other student athletes who have sustained injuries to give and receive support during the recovery process in an interactive group setting, learning new skills to effectively cope. This is a drop-in group open to current or former student athletes only. Questions? Contact Fernando.Frias@oregonstate.edu at CAPS or Fred.Tedeschi@oregonstate.edu at Athletics.
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