Facilitate a conversation -- start talking

Watch to see how Chanel started the process of making a mental health referral.
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Facilitate a conversation -- start talking

Some of the things that helped the conversation go somewhat smoothly are:

• talking in private
• expressing concern and listening
• encouraging Carly to seek help
• extending knowledge by getting specific details of help services

Evaluate and Revise and revisit

Student-athletes with anxiety disorders may be extra sensitive or on edge, making it difficult to have a conversation about mental health. You may feel uncomfortable, but don’t let that deter you. An initial discussion may not result in immediate change, but the person may choose to act at a later stage. Also, you can evaluate the conversation and revise your approach and/or revisit the topic in the future. Your actions may still make a difference.

Carly: So, can I ask you something?
Chanel: Sure, what's up?
Carly: Um, how did you do everything when you were a freshman?
Chanel: I'm not sure what you mean.
Carly: I'm just really overwhelmed with tennis and getting my schoolwork done and going to classes and just everything….. And you're the captain with all this responsibility and you make it look so easy.
Chanel: Well, it’s definitely not easy, but you seemed really stressed.
Carly: Yeah, I am.
Chanel: Have you ever thought of counseling?
Carly: Counseling?
Chanel: Yeah, there's this really great counseling center on campus and I know a girl that went and talked to one of the counselors and she said it helped a lot.
Carly: Oh. I don't know if it’s that bad, but I guess it’s worth a try.
Chanel: I'll bring the information to you to practice tomorrow and you can decide for yourself. If you do want to go, I'll definitely go with you.
Carly: Wow. That'd be great. Thank you!
Chanel: No problem.

Chanel and Carly - Transcript