Gamecocks ready to break the stigma
South Carolina Athletics set to host Mental Health Awareness Week
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Gamecocks launch Mental Health Awareness Week Wednesday, September 29 in collaboration with campus mental health initiatives to help break the stigma and raise awareness for mental health.
Mental Health Awareness Week is shifted earlier from the national dates to coincide with two soccer games, the home football game against Troy, and to avoid fall break on campus starting next Thursday. South Carolina will begin their week on Wednesday, September 29 with a kickoff event in the Cregger Athletics Village and the Russell House patio from 11 am – 2 pm.
Throughout the week, the Athletics Department and Campus will host various events to help raise awareness, fight stigma, and provide education around mental health. Gamecock athletics teams will host three mental health awareness games, starting on Friday when the women’s soccer team hosts Auburn at 7 p.m. at Stone Stadium. It will conclude on Sunday when the men’s soccer team hosts Florida Atlantic at 7 p.m. at Stone Stadium. At both soccer matches, fans will be able to receive information about mental health as well as check in with friends and family for the chance to win prizes.
The main event for Mental Health Awareness week will be the Gamecocks’ home football game vs. Troy on Saturday. Both community and campus mental health organizations will be present in Gamecock Village to provide resources and education regarding mental health awareness. Fans are encouraged to stop by Gamecock Village to participate in the pledge to check in with family and friends for the chance to win prizes. In addition to the events in Gamecock Village, the football team will wear Hilinski’s Hope helmet stickers as part of the College Football Mental Health Awareness Week.
By starting the conversation, Gamecock Athletics aims to help people overcome any barriers in seeking treatment. If you need help, talk to someone today. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling 1-800-273-8255 or by texting “TALK” to the Crisis line 741741. Together we can help break the stigma and raise awareness for mental health.
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