Oct 31, 2022

FSU Sports Medicine Launches ‘Mind, Body, & Seminole’ Holistic Initiative

Student-athletes across the nation are placed under physical stress to perform at the peak of their abilities. What is often not talked about is the mental strain associated with playing sports at the college level. Between schoolwork, social life, and relaxation time, it is often difficult for athletes to juggle their lives and sport in a healthy ratio.

At Florida State University (FSU), the school offers division one athlete’s access to specialized mental health services to provide an outlet.

A recent story from FSUNews.com shared the details of the new holistic initiative offered by the Seminoles’ department of sports medicine.

Below is an excerpt from the FSUNews.com story.

The FSU Department of Sports Medicine offers a service known as “Mind, Body, and Seminole”. The department specializes in supporting athletes in the following areas: addiction, eating disorders, grief counseling, anxiety and depression. Student-athletes who are seeking counseling can contact the Director of Clinical and Sport Psychology Keely Kaklamanos by calling 850-228-0252 or emailing [email protected].

The NCAA provides athletes with the tools to be successful in school and take care of their bodies, but what do they do to support mental health? Following the pandemic, there has been a rise in stress, anxiety, and depression among student-athletes. According to research conducted by the NCAA, “When asked whether they thought their mental health was a priority to their athletics department, 55% of men’s sports participants and 47% of women’s sports student-athletes agreed or strongly agreed.”

These numbers reflect poorly on the NCAA’s prioritization of mental health for athletes involved in the organization.

Oftentimes athletes believe seeking mental health services shows weakness. However, having a sound mind will lead the body to perform to the best of its ability. Watty Piper, author of the children’s book “The Little Engine That Could” drives this idea home in his story of an engine that is having difficulty overcoming a hill. The engine started reciting “I Think I Can, I Think I Can” until he conquered the hill. Many times, in sports it isn’t about physical capability, but mentally believing you can perform a certain skill.

Student-athletes should feel free to address psychological concerns they have in a safe and confidential environment. FSU and many other universities have adopted similar services to “Mind, Body, and Seminole” to assist athletes in receiving the help they need.

To read the full story from FSUNews.com about Florida State’s new ‘Mind, Body, and Seminole,’ initiative, click here.