Movember is proud to present MindMoves: Mental health programming for collegiate athletes

Movember is proud to present MindMoves: Mental health programming for collegiate athletes

Movember is thrilled to announce that we’ve teamed up with the leading NIL deal marketplace for athletes, Opendorse to develop and share a comprehensive mental health literacy program, that empowers student athletes to take control of their mental health.

The pressure is mounting

Collegiate athletes are facing more pressure than ever before, and now they’re navigating a whole new frontier – brand deals. Thanks to the novel NCAA ruling, allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), athletes are becoming influencers at a rapid rate. While there are many advantages to college athletes being able to profit off their prowess sooner, there’s also a lot at stake.

Elevated anxiety and depression symptoms are on the rise

The Covid-19 Pandemic instigated a global mental health crisis, and we’re seeing young men and boys affected disproportionately. We’ve seen symptoms of anxiety and depression skyrocket in comparison with pre-pandemic levels. 1 in 4 athletes have reported having elevated anxiety symptoms, and 1 in 5 reported feeling elevated symptoms of depression.

Survey says

Movember surveyed 770 student athletes and discovered that they are hesitant to seek mental health services largely due to the stigma surrounding mental illness.

What we’re doing about it

Navigating the stressors of student life is difficult enough without the added responsibility of being an elite level athlete. The MindMoves program aims to help students build resilience, manage stress, and improve their overall mental wellbeing, without breaking a sweat.

Developed with university athletes, for university athletes

In collaboration with student-athletes from universities across the nation, Movember developed a comprehensive virtual program designed to address the distinct pressures faced by athletes. From performance anxiety to academic stress and everything in between. Participating, athletes will learn how to recognize signs of poor mental health, understand the importance of speaking up, and gain confidence in seeking support when needed. MindMoves is available to over 130,000 student athletes through Opendorse’s virtual education platform.

Why mental health matters in college sports?

Mental health literacy—understanding and managing mental health—is critical for success both on the field and off. Many student-athletes experience high levels of stress, which, if left unchecked, can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. MindMoves aims to address this by teaching athletes how to identify early signs of mental health challenges and encouraging open conversations to reduce stigma.

Easy-to-follow curriculum presented by collegiate athletes

MindMoves offers a series of interactive courses that guide student-athletes through the process of building mental resilience. Athletes will have access to video content, and downloadable resources, so they’re never without help. The program covers a range of topics including, stress management, recognizing signs of mental health challenges in themselves and others, and increasing comfortability in seeking help.

How to get help and show support

Eligible college athletes can check out MindMoves November 12th on Opendorse.com. If you’re a fan of college athletics, or want to show your support, you can donate to further fund mental health initiatives in support of better outcomes for young men.