On December 1, the NFL Washington Commanders teamed up with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) to kick off the inaugural Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game, an event that symbolizes a significant stride towards advocating mental health awareness in the realm of professional sports. This partnership highlights the growing recognition of the importance of mental health care, especially in high-pressure environments such as the NFL. Through this initiative, the Commanders aim not only to entertain their fans but also to engage them in crucial conversations about mental wellbeing, breaking the stigma that often surrounds the topic in athletics and beyond.
Leading up to the game against the Tennessee Titans, a pregame panel was held in the Branson Lounge at Northwest Stadium, attracting around 100 attendees, including season ticket holders and those who purchased tickets through the APAF initiative. This event served as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights, as a portion of ticket sales was allocated directly to supporting the APAF and its mission. Notably, the panel was moderated by Kelly Mahoney from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and included a diverse array of speakers such as NFL veteran Marcus Smith, APAF Executive Director Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., and mental health professionals like Brook Choulet, M.D., and clinical social worker Darron Garner, PhD.
One of the key figures in establishing this partnership was Rawle Andrews Jr., who emphasized the need for systemic change to foster a culture of mental wellbeing within sports organizations. Andrews noted that the APAF’s headquarters is based in Washington D.C., which facilitated collaborative discussions around the potential benefits of partnering with the Commanders. He shared insights from ongoing dialogues with various leaders in the organization, advocating for a collective approach to effecting long-lasting social change for mental health initiatives, ultimately benefitting the teams and their communities.
During the panel discussion, Marcus Smith provided a personal perspective, sharing his struggles with mental health during his NFL tenure. His candid narrative resonated with many attendees, as he emphasized the pressures athletes face and the necessity of open communication within teams. Smith recounted how his willingness to share his own experiences led to an outpouring of support from teammates who faced similar challenges. In a parallel vein, Eric Kussin highlighted the importance of normalizing mental health care by integrating mental health professionals into team environments, paralleling the established roles of physical therapists and trainers.
Building on these discussions, Andrews articulated a vision for the future of mental health in professional sports. He proposed the implementation of league-wide mental health policies focused on routine wellness checks, enhancing privacy controls, and promoting open conversations about mental health. This vision underlines the importance of treating mental health care as an integral part of an athlete’s overall wellbeing, alongside physical health. As Andrews stated, “Mental health care works,” encouraging athletes and individuals alike to seek professional help when needed, emphasizing that it is entirely acceptable to admit when one is struggling.
Ultimately, the Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game represents just the beginning of a broader movement within professional sports like the NFL to prioritize mental wellness alongside physical training. The recognition that mental resilience is as vital as physical strength in achieving peak performance is paramount. Initiatives such as this pave the way for a future in which mental health receives the same level of urgency and respect as physical health, marking a progressive step towards a healthier and more supportive sporting environment.
