University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Volleyball to Host Mental Health Awareness Night Thursday
10/3/2023 1:25:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
HATTIESBURG, Miss.- Southern Miss volleyball will host "Spike The Stigma" night Thursday in its match against ULM at 7 p.m. in order to promote both mental health awareness and available resources on campus.
During Thursday's Spike The Stigma night, The Marriage and Family Therapy Student Organization, Student Counseling Services, and USM Active Minds will set up tables in the lobby of the Wellness Center. Therapy dog Cash Money will also be recognized and public service announcements will be played as part of the night's activities.
"Mental health has been a silent enemy and is something that needs to be addressed across the country and across the world," assistant coach Mehana Ma'a said. "It is neglected, especially in young athletes. It is important to unify through things we can all experience and relate to, and this event is an opportunity to do that. I think celebrating and acknowledging the feelings of others is something that is a lost trade and to take the time to look into mental health and celebrate the strength it takes to be a female student-athlete is important for our girls, as well as women across the country."
The NCAA reported in its 2021 Student-Athlete Well-Being Study that 94% of female athletes suffered feelings of being overwhelmed, with 72% noting problems with anxiety at least once in the past month.
And according to the National Education Association, over 60 percent of all college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem.
"Recognizing and knowing that we all struggle in some sort of way and not being afraid to ask for help, or go to your friends if it's just for a hug or anything is important," freshman Hayden Riddle said.
However, less than half of students who suffer from mental health issues reach out for help. Spike Out Stigma Night aims to create a healthy discussion for all students and connect them with available resources at USM.
"I think it's important to talk about mental health on campus because it's important to know that you are not alone, whether you are an athlete or whether you are just a student," junior Cara Atkinson said. "One of the things about mental illness is that it can feel very isolating and can put off the stigma that you are not strong enough. It is important that we raise awareness so that people have a community that they can reach out to."
The Golden Eagles welcome students and fans to Spike the Stigma night during Thursday's game versus ULM at 7 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m. with free admission for students.
During Thursday's Spike The Stigma night, The Marriage and Family Therapy Student Organization, Student Counseling Services, and USM Active Minds will set up tables in the lobby of the Wellness Center. Therapy dog Cash Money will also be recognized and public service announcements will be played as part of the night's activities.
"Mental health has been a silent enemy and is something that needs to be addressed across the country and across the world," assistant coach Mehana Ma'a said. "It is neglected, especially in young athletes. It is important to unify through things we can all experience and relate to, and this event is an opportunity to do that. I think celebrating and acknowledging the feelings of others is something that is a lost trade and to take the time to look into mental health and celebrate the strength it takes to be a female student-athlete is important for our girls, as well as women across the country."
The NCAA reported in its 2021 Student-Athlete Well-Being Study that 94% of female athletes suffered feelings of being overwhelmed, with 72% noting problems with anxiety at least once in the past month.
And according to the National Education Association, over 60 percent of all college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem.
"Recognizing and knowing that we all struggle in some sort of way and not being afraid to ask for help, or go to your friends if it's just for a hug or anything is important," freshman Hayden Riddle said.
However, less than half of students who suffer from mental health issues reach out for help. Spike Out Stigma Night aims to create a healthy discussion for all students and connect them with available resources at USM.
"I think it's important to talk about mental health on campus because it's important to know that you are not alone, whether you are an athlete or whether you are just a student," junior Cara Atkinson said. "One of the things about mental illness is that it can feel very isolating and can put off the stigma that you are not strong enough. It is important that we raise awareness so that people have a community that they can reach out to."
The Golden Eagles welcome students and fans to Spike the Stigma night during Thursday's game versus ULM at 7 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m. with free admission for students.
Players Mentioned
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