The United Soccer League Championship Players Association has launched an initiative that focuses on mental health for players in the league, which includes the Phoenix Rising FC.
The association earlier this month announced a partnership with telehealth provider Onrise. May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
“Our hope is by partnering with Onrise is that we can support players as people,” said USLPA executive director Connor Tobin. “Let’s say a player moves from Phoenix Rising to San Diego Loyal, (the player) can have continuity of care.”
Tobin, who started his professional career in 2009 and still currently plays as a defender for the Vermont Green in USL League Two, says that if a player retires or takes a step away from the game, Onrise will be available to help the player through that period of transition.
The mental health needs of professional and college athletes has drawn inclreased attention in reacent years.
Data from the International Olympic Committee found that 5% to 35% of athletes experienced some sort of mental health disorder in a 12-month follow-up period.
Rising midfielder Jose Hernandez welcomed the new intiative.
“It’s a testament to teams and to players that we’re trying to grow the game the right way,” he said. “Not just with the product that is being portrayed on the field, but everything else that comes outside with it.”
Hernandez started his professional playing career in 2015 and has seen teammates go through mental health challenges, such as separation anxiety from family members. He’s seen teams he’s played for take steps to responde to the needs of players in this area.
“There’s been a progression within the league and clubs to help those players, if need be,” said Hernandez. “When guys do need some sort of help, the team has someone on hand, someone they can call, or even just the coaches stepping into that role and just being someone to support and to listen.”
While there remains a stigma regarding athletes talking about their mental health, several high-profile professional athletes have come forward to broach the topic in recent years.
Michael Phelps, who set an all-time with a record 23 Olympic swimming gold medals, revealed in 2018 he battled depression and contemplated suicide during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
More:Michael Phelps: A chance to save a life is better than winning gold
In that same year, Kevin Love, an NBA player who currently plays with the Miami Heat, revealed that he suffered a panic attack during a game in the 2017 season when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers and had to deal with anxiety and depression.
More:Cavaliers’ Kevin Love on November panic attack: ‘I really felt like I was going to die’
And U.S.s Olympian Simone Biles also drew attention to the issue when she spoke about her battle with depression even as she was dominating the gymnastics field.
More:Simone Biles is a role model for prioritizing her own mental health over an Olympic medal
The USLPA’s partnership with Onrise is a step toward encouragine players to come forward if they are facing a mental health challenge.
“Players should expect anonymously they can access (Onrise’s) system and the levels of care that Onrise provides,” said Tobin. “They are completely independent as players to access the system, that’s anonymous to the PA, anonymous to the clubs, it’s all about (the players).”
Tobin said Onrise will provide players with various services, such as getting touch with a player care specialist or a doctor if needed.
“There’s a saying that 80% of (playing sports) is mental,” said Hernandez. “It’s definitely one of the biggest aspects in professional sports, whether people want to admit it or not.
“It’s important that everyone stays true to who they are and understand that no wrong that comes with (having mental health issues),” Hernandez added. “It’s about everyone helping each other out and having each other backs, especially when it comes to mental health because it’s a big part of the game.”
Help is available
In Arizona, there is a statewide mental health crisis line available at 844-534-HOPE (4673). In addition the statewide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched last year and can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988.
More:Need help finding mental health services in Arizona? Here are some resources
