September 2024 Edition
Since entering into collegiate athletics through mental healthcare technology in 2022, I have asked numerous collegiate athletic directors “what keeps you up at night?” Without hesitancy, they consistently respond with “the 3am phone call.” The answer does not need further definition, I know what they mean…a student-athlete has taken their life.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Per a recent study conducted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suicides for U.S. college athletes have doubled in the past 20 years. Pressures have never been greater in today’s collegiate athletic environment with 17-22 year olds navigating the never ending growth of social media bullying, unregulated NIL dynamics, legalized gambling, and a Wild West like transfer portal. Pretty gloomy stuff.
Enter Hope in the form of Hilinski’s Hope. Two remarkable human beings have made it their life mission to travel throughout the NCAA to provide awareness and education on the growing mental health crisis, and in the process, possibly preventing a suicide. Mark and Kym Hilinski lost their son Tyler to suicide in 2018. A star quarterback at Washington State, who had once been carried off the field by his teammates after a big win, and without any warning signs from friends, teammates, and his close-knit family, tragically took his life. With unimaginable pain in their hearts, Mark and Kym have devoted their lives to sharing their very personal story, for the purpose of educating the echo-system within collegiate athletics the importance of providing the same level of knowledge on mental health care needs as an athlete’s physical well- being. As Mark states in our recent Athlete’s OnBalance podcast, “mental health is health.”
The NCAA community is blessed to have Mark and Kym Hilinski, and the Hilinski Hope foundation. Let’s embrace their mission and prevent the 3am phone call.
Be well,
Walt Norley
OnBalance Founder & CEO
Suicide Prevention Month
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more.
Athletes OnBalance
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: In this powerful episode of Athletes OnBalance, Mark and Kym Hilinski share how the tragic loss of their son, Tyler, inspired their mission to reduce the stigma around mental health in sports. Through Hilinski's Hope, they advocate for mental health awareness, education, and early intervention in the athletic community. Tune in as we discuss the importance of proactive mental health care, supportive coaching, and fostering an environment where mental health is prioritized just like physical health.