Description: Lecture, three hours. Introduction to mental health issues in context of athletics and coaching. Mental health issues are prevalent and on rise among athletes. Coaches and other sports personnel are often first line of defense and are best positioned to recognize symptoms and refer athletes to appropriate care and interventions. Cultivates greater awareness of prevalence of mental health issues among athletes. Enables students to recognize common symptoms and manifestations of mental health concerns (e.g., depression, eating disorders, etc.). Students gain knowledge base for appropriate referrals and interventions, and range of tools for creation of safe spaces within their organizations to address mental health concerns. Cultivates informed practitioners who are sensitive to mental health concerns and empathetic to plight of many who suffer from these issues. Letter grading.

Units: 4.0