GLEN ROCK, Pa. — Student athletes are often under enormous pressure to succeed: in their sports, in their studies and in their personal lives.
Parents, coaches and students alike in York and Adams counties will have the chance to attend a symposium aimed at addressing some of the biggest mental health struggles these young people face as part of the York Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association's mental health initiative.
The York/Adams Mental Health Symposium aims to bring awareness, support, education and resources to the community.
Organizers say this event and addressing student athletes' mental health is important because they are the future. They want students to learn the coping skills needed to overcome challenges and alleviate the pressure they feel now, so they are set up for success for the rest of their lives.
Some of the most common duress student athletes face now comes from managing everything on their plate: school, work, practice, activities, family and friends, to name a few. They also have to regulate their performance anxiety and try not to compare themselves to other athletes who may be social media stars or always have their photograph on the front page of the local newspaper.
The York/Adams Mental Health Symposium will have a session for coaches, separate sessions for parents and student athletes, a wellness fair featuring vendors with local providers and additional resources, and a closing reception. The Symposium is intended for York and Adams counties coaches, parents and student athletes in grades six - 12.
The event is free to attend. Registration is not required, but organizers ask that interested attendees sign up.
The Symposium was originally scheduled for Jan. 7; however, due to the weather forecast, organizers decided to postpone the event. It will now be held on Feb. 4 from 2 - 4 p.m.