The National Basketball Association (NBA) reminded players this week that they are offering mental health programs and services to any of their players in need. Players were urged to look after their mental wellness and take advantage of the newly enhanced programs.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Michele Robert sent out a letter to league players stating, “ Each of our offices has newly-enhanced mental wellness programs, which we encourage you to use to manage stress, anxiety and other challenges. It’s a critical step that can also encourage teammates and fans alike to understand that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to ask for help.”
Multiple players in recent years, such as Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan, have opened up about their struggles with mental health issues. Even coaches such as Cleveland Cavalier’s coach Tyronn Lue, who was treated for anxiety during the season, have been sharing their stories.
NBA players are hugely influential in today’s culture, and having professional athletes speaking out about their mental health struggles is further breaking down the stigma around mental illness. Mental health is also not as widely discussed in many communities, and is often minimized in masculine cultures such as professional sports, despite men being just as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety in their lifetimes as women.
Even if you are not a professional athlete, there are a number of readily accessible outpatient mental health services in your community. However, knowing which mental health program is right for your needs can be difficult to figure out. At the practice of Raul J. Rodriguez, MD & Associates, our team of Delray Beach psychiatrists provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment options to all our patients. If your mental health condition requires hospitalization or inpatient care, Dr. Rodriguez or one of our psychiatric doctors can refer you to the appropriate program. For patients wanting outpatient mental health services, our mental health center in Delray Beach offers a variety of clinical options. These include: Psychiatry & medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, and intensive outpatient programs for mental health. Contact us today to find out more about your options.
