Expanding the Talk Today Program to Canadian University Sports

University student-athletes are susceptible to anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Academic institutions need to support athletes by promoting positive mental health, reducing stigma and providing resources. This project will explore if integrating the Talk Today program positively effects student-athletes’ attitudes towards help-seeking and help-seeking behaviours. Originally launched by CMHA Ontario Division in partnership with the OHL in 2014, Talk Today provides an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across Canada. The program includes a pre-season suicide awareness workshop, an ongoing accessible support network, and a game-day event designed to increase conversation around mental health and suicide. Interns will evaluate the effectiveness of Talk Today and co-write/present data to stakeholders. Data will offer valuable feedback to CMHA Ontario providing the foundation to justify the integration of the program into university athletics across Canada. This expansion will increase accessibility and awareness of the program and potentially leading to additional financial support.

Faculty Supervisor:

Philip Sullivan

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Mental Health Association

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Brock University

Program: