A trusted, caring adult can be a game changer for young people, and coaches are ideally positioned to provide that support. You can be the first to notice when an athlete is struggling emotionally, and the first person an athlete trusts enough to reach out to. The Jed Foundation (JED) and Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) created this quick, easy-to-use guide to increase your knowledge and comfort in navigating these situations and conversations.
This guide will walk you through straightforward—but significant—steps you can take to:
- Support mental health on your team.
- Recognize and reach out to a struggling athlete.
- Connect athletes to professional help, if and when it is needed.
