From Oregon State Athletics:
Oregon State student-athletes are leading a campaign to propel mental health awareness in college athletics into a national discussion.
Titled #DamWorthIt, the purpose of the initiative is to boost sensibilities of mental health in sports and remove the stereotype that athletes are invincible. The campaign was founded by former Oregon State gymnast Taylor Ricci and current men’s soccer player Nathan Braaten.
Every Oregon State team has a #DamWorthIt game or competition dedicated towards mental health awareness. #DamWorthIt will bring speakers, workshops, education, & mental health resources to campuses.
“Our goal is to de-stigmatize and spread awareness about the epidemic of mental health in collegiate athletics.” Ricci, an exercise and sport science major, said. “The stresses of performing at a high level both academically and athletically are intense, and can lead to severe depression and in some cases suicide, as we tragically learned at Washington State this week and recently on the OSU campus.”
“We feel this is a unique approach to mental health awareness as it’s a platform for student-athletes that is being coordinated by their peers,” Braaten, a finance and economics, major, said. “In addition, it’s a chance for individuals to understand resources are available for people of all walks of life to gain assistance.”
#GoBeavs #DamWorthIt
