Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis has initiated a pioneering program aimed at enhancing the mental health of student-athletes. This innovative initiative, known as the Mental Resiliency Training Program, seeks to equip students with essential skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and bolster their overall mental well-being.
Empowering Student-Athletes
Launched in partnership with Riley Children’s Health, the program is in its second year and has already demonstrated significant benefits. According to Jarron Seals, a senior who participates in both football and track, the program has been transformative. “I really like it so far, I really like it. If I had another year, I would do it again because it helped me in a lot of situations,” he stated. Initially hesitant, Seals noted that his involvement has enhanced his performance both on and off the field.
The program’s primary objective is to change students’ perceptions of mental health. As Elaine Gilbert, a clinical psychologist involved in the initiative, explains, “We are working on destigmatizing mental health and prioritizing it, knowing that mental health is just as important as physical health.” Gilbert emphasizes that resilience is a crucial skill that students will carry throughout their lives, stating, “We know it’s not a function of if hard happens to us, but really when.”
Visible Impact and Future Expansion
School officials, including athletic director Ed Buford, have observed a noticeable increase in student confidence since the program’s inception. “I’ve seen a huge confidence boost,” Buford remarked. “Our kids feel like school is a safe area. They also feel like athletics is a safe place, and giving those kids the opportunity means the world to us.”
The success of the Mental Resiliency Training Program has sparked interest from other schools wishing to adopt similar frameworks. Leaders at Riley Children’s Health reported that additional institutions are reaching out to explore the implementation of these mental health initiatives.
This program is offered at no cost to students, thanks to funding from the Mia Rose Owens Fund through the Riley Children’s Foundation. As mental health continues to gain recognition as an essential component of student life, programs like this one at Arsenal Tech serve as a vital resource for fostering resilience and well-being among young athletes.
