Texas A&M Student-Athletes Launch New Mental Health Initiative
Feb 27, 2023 | General
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Athletics recently launched a new student-athlete-led initiative – F.A.C.E. Mental Health.
The mission of F.A.C.E. (Fostering Athletes' Continued Excellence) Mental Health is to generate awareness, develop a sense of community, provide education and advocate for the variety of mental health concerns and challenges student-athletes experience.
Specifically, the organization aims to create a space for student-athletes to gather and provide support, while also challenging and strengthening each other as individuals and competitors. By providing dynamic and engaging education and discussion opportunities, F.A.C.E. Mental Health intends to increase awareness and acceptance of mental health concerns while also encouraging student-athletes to serve as active advocates in reducing the stigma often associated with mental health.
Under the auspices of Dr. Ryan Pittsinger, Director of Counseling & Sport Psychology Services, F.A.C.E. Mental Health is a student-athlete led enterprise. The current F.A.C.E. Mental Health leadership group includes president Ali Russell (soccer), vice president Laney Carroll (soccer), communication director Henry Coleman III (men's basketball) and engagement director Haley Redifer (equestrian).
The group works to increase student-athlete awareness and acceptance of the broad continuum of mental health as well as the various challenges and mental health difficulties student-athletes may experience.
F.A.C.E. Mental Health is creating a "Brave Space" for student-athletes to process the stigma that is often attached to mental health concerns and allow student-athletes to connect in a comfortable and supportive environment.
The organization provides student-athletes with resources, programming and platforms to continuously learn and grow through increased understanding and knowledge of various topics related to mental health and proper management of mental health needs.
Finally, F.A.C.E. Mental Health encourages student-athletes to serve as active leaders on their teams and in their communities by talking openly about mental health, challenging misconceptions and helping reduce the stigma that regularly surrounds mental health.
As one of its first undertakings, F.A.C.E. Mental Health is hosting a variety of events during Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Week – Feb. 27-March 3.
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On Monday, F.A.C.E. Mental Health is joining with Texas A&M Athletics Performance Nutrition to host a discussion on Mental Health & Disordered Eating Awareness at Slocum Nutrition Center from 6-8 p.m.
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F.A.C.E. Mental Health is hosting resource tabling events Tuesday at Rudder Plaza (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) and Wednesday during the softball game at Davis Diamond (5:30-6:30 p.m.).
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The group is participating in An Evening Out in Aggie Park: Mental Health Resources & Connection Thursday (4:30-6:30 p.m.).
- The final event of the week is a Student-Athlete Mental Health Panel at the Memorial Student Center RM 2406A on Thursday from 7-8 p.m.
More information on F.A.C.E. Mental Health may be found at 12thMan.com/FaceMentalHealth.
