4 NFL Players Share Mental Health Challenges

Professional athletes are becoming more and more open about their struggles with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. We’re going to watch a news clip where four players talk about why it’s important to talk when we’re having a tough time.

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Learning Goal: Self-Control

Grades: 4-5 | Activity Type: Extension | Status: X Original | Remix

Be Good People Curriculum © St. Croix River Education District

The video we’re going to watch talks about mental illness.

This topic can bring up a lot of emotions, so we as a class need to discuss this in a way that shows sensitivity, compassion, and respect for one another.

If you are concerned for yourself or for a friend please connect with one of our school’s mental health support staff after class today.

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VIDEO HERE

A couple of the players said that “the brain is like a muscle” and you can’t only take care of your body and “leave the mind behind.” What do you think they meant by that?

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VIDEO HERE

A few of the players said they were

afraid to talk about their struggles with feeling nervous or depressed because they thought people would think they are weak.

If you were friends with one of these NFL players, what could you say to them to encourage them to be brave and open up?

On a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you agree with what the Minnesota Viking player said — that sharing your struggles with your brothers in the locker room makes you more of a leader than if you held it in?

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VIDEO HERE

A few of the players mentioned that once they talked to people about their feelings, other people opened up to them.

Why do you think one brave leader can make it easier for other people to open up?

The man said that these NFL players opening up about their struggles during their football careers “unlocks a thousand stories.” What do you think he meant by that?