Mental health of student-athletes is diminishing

We have been taught from an early age that sports are one of the best ways to improve our physical well-being and a healthy lifestyle. Yet the mental health of student-athletes is diminishing in front of our eyes with concerns directly linked to the demands of their sport. Parents put their children in sports from an early age to foster discipline, create healthy habits and enhance self-esteem. However, it becomes problematic when sports transform from being a stress reliever to becoming the source of stress. According to the NCAA, 35% of athletes are suffering from some form of mental health, stemming from “stress, eating disorders, burnout, depression or anxiety.” Parents, players, coaches or any other involved parties are not to be held responsible for this, the issue arises from a lack of education and insufficient attention to the matter.

Mental health education programs that raise awareness and reduce stigma should be established universally. As a community, we can make a change by implementing these programs in schools, creating classes for coaches and raising awareness among parents. If athletes could recognize and acknowledge concerns about their mental health, this would be a huge step in preventing them from escalating. In addition, parents and coaches should be able to recognize signs of mental distress in athletes and provide them with the support they need. Ultimately, athletes need continuous support networks from the people in their lives to create a culture of understanding and needs to be a priority for athletes themselves.

— Jacob Lovins, Boulder

Showing real compassion is like a call to action

Showing a little bit of compassion could have massive positive impacts on a society that pits us against each other. Social media and public organizations often spread the idea of compassion to promote positive atmospheres, but I do not believe many people know what compassion truly is.

There have been many times in my life where someone believed they were showing me compassion, but they were not. This is a common thing as a cancer survivor when telling someone about my diagnosis. They might respond with phrases such as “At least you didn’t get chemo” or “Hopefully, it doesn’t come back.” I have a hard time being mad at someone who replies this way because I realize most people do not understand how to respond to my situation. However, I usually leave those conversations feeling ashamed or embarrassed of myself.

What some people are showing me with their comments is pity, not compassion. Pity might seem to show sympathy or empathy, but it does the opposite. The difference between compassion and pity lies not in the intent of the sentiment, but in how it makes the sufferer feel. Compassion is to truly feel sorrow or grief towards the pain or suffering of another and embrace a call to action that the suffering might present.

The easiest way to practice compassion is to listen. This allows the person to feel a sense of support and community from others, rather than feeling put down by them. Imagine if students, doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians, children and celebrities began to practice compassion this way. The problems that divide us would become obsolete, and the world would surely be a better place.

— Clara Bax, Boulder

The requirements for walkable neighborhoods

The Community Editorial Board addressed the issue of “Walkable Neighborhoods” in the Saturday, November 25 issue of the Daily Camera, expressing many ideas and goals. I am taking this opportunity to describe three basic requirements for walkable neighborhoods: plow the streets; clear sidewalks, crosswalks and bike paths and keep them clear; and enforce existing traffic regulations. For walkable neighborhoods to become a reality, these basic requirements can — and should — be met now.

— Paula J. Vaughan, Boulder