First HBCU Student-Athlete Wellness Room at Edward Waters University: A New Era of Mental Health Support in College Athletics
Edward Waters University has taken a groundbreaking step in addressing the mental health needs of its student-athletes with the unveiling of the N.E.S.T (Nurturing, Empowering & Supporting Tigers) wellness room. This innovative space, created in partnership with Hearts for Minds (H4M), is designed to provide a dedicated area for student-athletes to focus on their mental well-being.
The N.E.S.T Student-Athlete Wellness Room is a comprehensive, holistic space designed to support mental health and personal well-being for athletes. It offers a multi-faceted environment featuring meditation areas, quiet reflection spaces, a wellness resource library, and opportunities for workshops and small group sessions. Within the wellness room, students have access to comfortable seating which includes a massage chair, adult coloring books to encourage art therapy, stress balls, puzzles, essential oil diffusers, fidget and sensory toys, and a noise machine. By providing comfortable, supportive amenities and resources, the room aims to help student-athletes manage stress, practice mindfulness, and prioritize their overall mental and emotional wellness.
The N.E.S.T is the first of its kind among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), setting a new standard for student-athlete support. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as recent studies have shown alarming trends in mental health issues among college athletes. A 2022 NCAA survey revealed that rates of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and depression among student-athletes remain 1.5 to two times higher than they were before the pandemic. Building on findings from two NCAA student-athlete well-being studies conducted in 2020, the survey highlights that student-athletes continue to experience heightened mental health challenges.
The need for such a facility is further underscored by statistics revealing that approximately 30% of women and 25% of men student-athletes report experiencing anxiety (ACSM, 2021). Despite these high numbers, only 10% of student-athletes with known mental health conditions seek professional help. The N.E.S.T aims to bridge this gap by providing a safe, accessible space for athletes to prioritize their mental health.
Comprehensive Support Network
With the introduction of the N.E.S.T, EWU student-athletes now have access to a well-rounded support network including mental health resources provided through Hearts for Minds (H4M) and campus resources through the Director of Student Wellness Access and Inclusion and Uwill Teletherapy. This holistic approach addresses the unique challenges faced by student-athletes, who often struggle to balance academic and athletic responsibilities. Research has shown that 92% of student-athletes report that balancing these responsibilities is a top factor impacting their mental health (Mantra Health & NAIA Survey, 2022). "We are thrilled to unveil The N.E.S.T., a groundbreaking resource that embodies our unwavering commitment to student-athlete wellness. By prioritizing comprehensive support and holistic development, we are taking a significant step towards empowering our athletes to thrive both academically and personally," said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Ivana M. Rich.
Breaking the Stigma
The N.E.S.T is not just a physical space; it's a statement about the importance of mental health in athletics. By creating this dedicated wellness room, EWU is taking a proactive step in normalizing conversations about mental health among student-athletes. This is particularly important given that studies have found that student-athletes often feel less comfortable seeking support from mental health providers on campus. As the first HBCU to implement such a facility, EWU is setting an example for other institutions to follow. The N.E.S.T represents a commitment to nurturing not just the physical, but also the mental and emotional well-being of student-athletes, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive both on and off the field.
The Power of Partnerships
Edward Waters University (EWU) Athletics has formed a partnership with Hearts for Minds (H4M) to enhance mental health support for both staff and student-athletes. As part of this collaboration, EWU has implemented "Mental Health Matters" sessions for coaches, administrators, and student-athletes throughout the year. This initiative aligns with H4M's mission to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide essential resources for those in need of mental health care. By bringing these sessions to campus, EWU is taking proactive steps to address the mental health challenges faced by student-athletes, which have remained elevated since the pandemic. After a historic evening, Sheryl Johnson reflected on the partnership stating "Leveraging the innovative solutions of Hearts 4 Minds in partnership with an athletic program that focuses on student well-being and mental health by closing gaps in mental health literacy and access to care is a privilege. Creating a sustainable and repeatable approach with Edward Waters University that can be used on any campus gives life to my son's memory and ensures that other students have the hope and care they need and deserve."
"I am extremely grateful for the support of Hearts for Minds and The PLAYERS to make this dream come to fruition," said Dr. Rich. "The Department of Athletics will work collaboratively to continuously add resources to The N.E.S.T in alignment with student-athlete needs, trends and data on mental health." Future plans for The N.E.S.T include the integration of mental health programming aimed to meet the diverse needs of EWU student-athletes to include small groups and campfire sessions.
