Jaren Hall: Focus On Mental Health Equal To Focus On Physical Health

PROVO, Utah – Sports can be stressful, and it is more than just getting bumps and bruises. The mental aspect of the game is taxing.

Only recently has the mental health side of the conversation entered the mainstream. Now, there is a lot more help for athletes when it comes to mental health and stress management.

We are now learning more about the importance of being open and honest about our mental health because it could help others feel more comfortable getting help if they need it. Just last year, Dwayne Johnson openly talked about his mental health and depression.

“I realized that he is not alone and you are not the first person to go through it,” Johnson said. “You feel like you are alone and in your bubble. I wish I had someone at the time and say, ‘hey, it will be OK.'”

Jaren Hall Explains Why Mental Health Is Important For Athletes

Monday, Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day so we asked BYU quarterback Jaren Hall during his weekly appearance on Unrivaled about what BYU is doing to help him and his fellow athletes.

Hall is an interesting case for the majority of college students – not necessarily at BYU – as he is married and has a child while playing college football. That balancing act of being a husband and father while being an elite college football player is not easy.

“Day 1 on fall camp it is pretty standard that they bring in our sports psychologists,” Hall said. “They come to talk to us and make it known that it is normal for kids to have challenges off the field. It’s normal, it should be accepted, and really, you should take as much time to treat your mind and social wellness, and spiritual health as you do your physical [health].

“I think college sports are turning and you see a lot more athletes are representing this,” he said. “A lot of people are starting to realize that it’s OK to accept and it’s part of playing football. You can be a tough guy but still go through whatever things you are going through. They make it standard that you know it’s just as important as taking care of your physical body.”

Getting this support from the BYU football program for all of its athletes and putting it front and center is a great resource to have. Being ready to play your sport from a healthy mental standpoint is a big deal and will not only help a person feel better about themselves, but it can lead to confidence in training and preparing for the grind that is playing college football week in and week out.

Follow @JeremyMauss