In a groundbreaking initiative to promote mental health awareness in professional sports, the NFL’s Washington Commanders teamed up with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) to host the inaugural Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game on Sunday, December 1. This event highlighted the growing recognition of mental health as an integral aspect of athletic performance and well-being.
The initiative featured a pregame panel discussion held at the Branson Lounge in Northwest Stadium, which attracted around 100 attendees. The exclusive event was open to season ticket holders and individuals who purchased tickets through the APAF partnership, with a portion of ticket sales directly supporting the foundation’s mental health initiatives.
Panel Highlights
Moderated by Kelly Mahoney from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the panel included a distinguished lineup of mental health experts and advocates:
- Marcus Smith, former NFL player and mental health advocate
- Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., Executive Director of APAF
- Eric Kussin, Founder of #SameHere Global
- Brook Choulet, M.D., Concierge Sports & Performance Psychiatrist
- Darron Garner, Ph.D., Clinical Social Worker
Each panelist shared valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding mental health in sports.
A Vision for Change
Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., Executive Director of APAF, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “Because our international headquarters is based in Washington, D.C., our team saw an opportunity to engage locally with the Commanders,” Andrews explained. “In discussions with senior leadership, including Dr. Marketa Wills, Dr. Ramaswamy Viswanathan, and Dr. Theresa Miskimen, we identified the need for systems-level change to foster lasting social impact on mental well-being. This partnership was a win-win-win for everyone involved—our organizations, athletes, and the community.”
Personal Stories Inspire Progress
NFL veteran Marcus Smith candidly shared his experiences with mental health challenges during his playing career. Reflecting on the immense pressure to perform, Smith revealed how opening up about his struggles encouraged teammates to share similar stories, fostering a culture of support.
Eric Kussin, founder of #SameHere Global, highlighted the importance of embedding mental health professionals into team environments. “Just as teams rely on physical therapists and strength coaches, integrating mental health clinicians should become a normalized part of athlete care,” Kussin noted.
Advancing Mental Health in Sports
Looking ahead, Andrews advocated for expanded mental health initiatives across professional sports leagues. His proposals included implementing routine wellness checks, ensuring privacy protections, and normalizing mental health conversations through awareness campaigns and personal testimonials. “Mental health care works,” Andrews affirmed. “It’s okay to not be okay and to seek help from trained professionals when needed.”
A New Era for Mental Health in Sports
The Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game underscores the growing recognition within the NFL and other leagues that mental health is as vital as physical fitness for peak performance. Events like these pave the way for a future where mental resilience is prioritized and supported, ensuring athletes are equipped to excel both on and off the field.
By addressing mental health with the same urgency as physical health, professional sports can lead the charge in reshaping societal attitudes, proving that strength begins with a sound mind.
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