As part of the Little League® program, all of our leagues are focused on providing high-impact learning and developmental activities that shape the most formative years of a child’s life. One of the most important aspects that we must always consider is the mental health and well-being of the Little Leaguers® in our leagues and communities, and what we can do to support them. Below are resources, guidance, and tools to help support the mental health and well-being of parents, volunteers, and most importantly, our players.
Our partners at MLB are helping to increase mental health awareness and support by partnering with Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health service. If you are experiencing feelings of loneliness, sadness or just being overwhelmed, you are not alone. You can text MLB to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line, or you can connect via web chat at crisistextline.org.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Little League had a chance to catch up with Shairi R. Turner, MD, MPH, who serves as the Chief Health Officer at the Crisis Text Line, and April Brown, MLB Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility and Diversity, for a special Six-Inning Interview on the importance of the mental well-being of young athletes and the work they’re doing to support Little League’s efforts.
In an effort to help increase mental health awareness and support, Major League Baseball and Little League partner with Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health service. It’s important for all our participants to know that if you are experiencing feelings of loneliness, sadness, or just being overwhelmed, you are not alone. You can text MLB to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line, or you can connect via web chat at crisistextline.org. This service is available to all Little League participants and is even more important as the summer gears up and teams head into the spotlight of the Little League International Tournament.
In Little League, everyone has a position to play, and it’s important that we all work together to make sure that it is a safe place to learn and grow, both physically and mentally. Below are just some of the resources available to help support the mental health of our young players and create a welcoming environment for all.
Learn what you can do to support the mental wellbeing of your players with the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health. Learn more about the U.S. Surgeon General’s information on Parental Mental Health & Well-Being.
Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, shares six ways parents, families, and LL volunteers, can help young athletes understand their mental health and well-being.
