Did you know that 1 in 3 Texas children experience a mental health disorder in a given year? According to EveryTexan.org, roughly 1 in 5 Texas youth are affected by a MEDB (mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral) problem.
But the State of Texas ranks last in the U.S. for access to mental health care. Texas has only 25% of the recommended number of child psychologists.
“At a moment when we are experiencing a national youth mental health crisis, now is the time to act swiftly and decisively to protect children and adolescents from risk of harm,” said U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in a social media advisory.
Innovative White Sox Program
Mental health among U.S. youth is being addressed creatively — the Chicago White Sox are leading the way with new programming specifically for their White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACA) players, partnering with mental health professionals, and emphasizing health both on and off the field.
“Nobody is immune from any psychological, emotional issue, and so the White Sox, I feel are leading baseball in providing enough resources for these players to use if they’re dealing with really any issue — from familial, physiological, emotional,” said Dr. Jeffrey A. Fishbein, Chicago White Sox Team Psychologist. “The organization wanted to do something more for the travel team they support, which is the ACE program.”
The ACE players are getting tools and connecting with support to help with mental health, stress, and anxiety while learning to visualize the future they dream of.
“The greatest way to get these kids to buy in is to show them that even the big league athletes—the best athletes in the world in all sports—are asking for help,” said Fishbein.
How BE-OK Can Help Youth & Coaches in Central Texas
Removing the social stigma around seeking mental health support is the first step in connecting today’s youth with life-changing help.
BE-OK seeks to partner with youth counselors, sports teams, and psychologists to encourage local teams and youth organizations to consider offering mental health training and support as part of their programming.
It starts with you. It’s time to start the conversation.
- Share the inspirational video of the White Sox with a coach, team, or parent.
- Suggest having a mental health conversation with youth athletes in your area.
- Connect with a trusted, local mental health provider by visiting our BE-OK resources.