Mental Health Resources

Dear ADD YOUR SENATOR,
 
I am writing in support of House Bill 492 introduced by Representatative Mike Loychik, the Mental Health Education for Coaches Bill. As a resident of ADD YOUR CITY and one of your constituents I am asking for your consideration and a vote in support of HB 492 that will add a student mental health training course for all coaches. 

• 35% of elite athletes suffer from a mental health crisis.
• 10-15% of all athletes experience psychological issues severe enough to warrant counseling.
• Studies show that about 6.3% of all student-athletes  show signs and symptoms of depression.
• 20% of all teens suffer from depression before they reach adulthood.
• All mental health problems begin by age 14, and most cases are undetected and untreated. 
• Only 30% of teens with depression are being treated for  it.
• An adolescent dies from suicide every 100 minutes,  making it the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24.
• An estimated 12.8 percent of adolescents in the U.S. experience at least one episode of major depression
• Teen depression has increased 59% since 2007. 
• Those teens who suffer from depression also have a 30%  chance of developing a drug problem later in life.
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 I’d like to share our family’s story with you so that you understand why passage of this legislation is so important to us.  Add personal story. 

 Ohio has an opportunity to take a lead in advocating for all student athletes and recognizing the importance of their mental health. Knowledge is power and empowering all of our coaches with training to recognize our students that may be struggling benefits everyone. Help us open dialogues, let’s be able to talk!
 

Thank you for your time and consideration.
 

Sincerely,
 

SIGNATURE

*Data from Athletes for Hope, Athlete Network, Global Sports Matter, and Inside Higher Education, World Health Organization, Discovery Mood, Medicine Net, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the organization I Need a Lighthouse.