The prevalence of mental health disorders and suicide among young people, particularly high schoolers, has been on the rise. In response to this alarming trend, a group of current and former NFL pros called “The Defensive Line” was invited by Intermountain Health to speak with high school students in Las Vegas’s Clark County School District during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
During the “The Strongest Play is Asking for Help” event, the athletes shared personal stories of their own struggles with mental health, promoting themes of honesty and empowerment among the diverse audience of city and community leaders, as well as students. The panel included players like Solomon Thomas, Brandon Bolden, Darren Waller, Carl Nassib, Alec Ingold, Cedric Tillman, and Marcus Smith.
The discussion highlighted the increased risk of suicide among Black youth, with a particular focus on Black females who have seen a 182 percent rise in suicide rates between 2001-2017. Among Black men, 80 percent of suicides occur in males with the highest number occurring in their early 20s. Solomon Thomas emphasized the importance of redefining strength and promoting vulnerability as a sign of courage.
The conversation held by the panel can be accessed at www.strongestplay.com along with valuable mental health resources at both local and national levels. It is essential to continue these conversations and promote awareness and support for mental health issues among young people to address this growing epidemic.
Mental health issues have become an increasingly significant concern for young people worldwide. High school students are particularly vulnerable to these problems due to various factors such as peer pressure, academic stressors or family issues that they may face.
In response to this growing issue, Intermountain Health invited The Defensive Line to speak with high school students during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The athletes shared their own personal stories about mental health struggles while promoting themes of honesty and empowerment.
One key topic discussed during the event was the increased risk of suicide among Black youth.
Black females have seen an 182 percent rise in suicide rates between 2001-2017 while Black men account for 80 percent of suicides among that population – most occur in males under their early twenties.
Solomon Thomas emphasized that redefining strength by promoting vulnerability is crucial when it comes to addressing mental health issues.
Resources for mental health support can be found on www.strongestplay.com along with other valuable resources at both local and national levels.
It is essential that we continue these conversations about mental health awareness among young people to address this growing epidemic effectively.
