Our Vision and Impact
Who Are We?
Teammates 4 Hope is a dedicated toolkit and inclusive platform for athletes, their families, and sports communities facing life’s challenges. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique and believe that no one should navigate their struggles alone. Our mission is to foster a network of support, offering guidance, connection, and hope to those who need it most. Whether you are personally facing difficulties or simply want to make a positive impact, you have the power to uplift others. Here, we offer a safe space where individuals can access valuable resources, or request a personal page in which members can share stories, and connect through anonymous experiences. Together, we can make a difference and build stronger, more resilient teams—both on and off the field.
Breaking the Silence in Sports
- Mental health and suicide prevention are critical for well-being in the sports community.
- Studies show up to 35% of athletes experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. (JAMA Network, NIMH).
- Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts are deeply personal, leading many to suffer in silence.
- Recognizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, can foster a supportive environment where athletes feel empowered to seek help.
- Studies suggest that mental health challenges athletes face are often reflective of the same struggles experienced by non-athletes in their personal lives.
Our Mission
Our initiative, Teammates 4 Hope, addresses these critical needs by providing vital resources, fostering open dialogue, and supporting mental health through a dedicated platform. We hope to use sports as a vehicle for mental health advocacy, reducing the stigma, but also ensuring that athletes receive the care and support system they need to navigate the complexities of life.
Team/Community Pages
What is a Personal Page?
A team/community page is a dedicated site created through Teammates 4 Hope designed to provide tailored mental health resources and local support for specific sports teams and their communities. Each page is unique to the team, allowing members to connect with one another, access relevant tools, and share personal stories in a more private and supportive environment. Whether it’s student-athletes, coaches, or family members, everyone can benefit from the collective resources and camaraderie a personal page offers. Click the link to learn more about requesting yours today.
Disclaimer: While personal pages generally receive less traffic, they are still public and viewable to anyone.
You Are Not Alone
Both Calvin Ridley and Simone Biles are largely successful athletes, who have become influential advocates for mental health over time, openly sharing their struggles and prioritizing self-care. By stepping away from their sports to focus on their well-being, they’ve demonstrated that mental health is as crucial as physical health for peak performance.
Calvin Ridley, star wide receiver and first-round draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons, took a break from football in October 2021 to “focus on [his] mental health and wellbeing.” Though he didn’t share specifics, his absence from the game reflected his commitment to addressing his mental health issues head-on. After a season away, Ridley returned in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, proving that prioritizing mental health can lead to renewed resilience. Similarly, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles made headlines during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics when she chose to step back from competition to protect her mental health. Her courage in prioritizing well-being over performance brought global attention and Simone was able to return to the 2024 Paris Olympics stronger than ever, helping the United States win its third consecutive gold medal. Both Ridley and Biles continue to inspire others, reminding us all that caring for our mental health is not a weakness, but instead a key to long-term success.
Our Mental Wellness Resource Bank
What is it?
Our Resource Bank offers athletes, coaches, and supporters a variety of tools and guidance for navigating mental health challenges. This comprehensive resource hub includes books, articles, videos, and organizations specifically curated to support mental wellness both in and beyond the world of sports. Whether you’re looking to read about mental health experiences, watch insightful films, reach out to crisis counselors, or find support groups near you, we have options to suit diverse needs.
While our Bank is a great tool to find general information, for even more personalized support, check if your team or community has a dedicated Personal Page—these include tailored resources like school-specific guidance counselors or local programs. If your team doesn’t have a page yet, request one today under the Team/Community Page section of our site.
Teammates 4 Hope is backed by a dedicated advisory board composed of individuals with both personal experience and professional expertise in mental health and athletics. Our board includes university-level mental health professionals, collegiate athletic leaders, and advocates who have been personally impacted by mental health struggles, bringing a depth of insight and commitment to our mission.
Our diverse team provides invaluable guidance to ensure that T4H’s resources and programs meet the needs of those we serve, making T4H a trusted and compassionate initiative for mental wellness in the sports community.
Disclaimer:
The content on this webpage is intended for informational and support purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, therapy, or medical care. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance or experiencing a crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or an emergency response service. For urgent support, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or your local emergency services.