Mental Health Awareness Public Service Announcement
A Message from Cleveland Guardians Athletic Trainer Jeff Desjardins
The Mission Statement
PBATS believes that mental health is integral to living a healthy, balanced life. According to National Institute of Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental health condition, which translates to more than 50 million. Our mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional and social well-being. It impacts how we feel, think and perform each day. It also contributes to our decision-making, coping strategies and relationships.
As athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals, we know that the stress put on players and athletic training staff during a 162-game MLB season can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Just like physical fitness can help a player (or any person) do their best at work, mentally healthy individuals find more stability and enjoyment in their everyday lives. This is what we want for all players in our care—and all Americans. From physical activity to proper nutrition to proper stress relief, we work hard to help our players and fans feel the joy they should when playing, or spectating, the game they love.
As many of us struggle with mental health and wellness each and every day, PBATS strives to educate the American people about the overall importance of proper care for mental health.
PBATS Member Statement
“PBATS is proud to partner and work with Major League Baseball and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to educate America about mental health and wellness. We believe that building awareness, providing accommodations, offering employee assistance, and ensuring access to treatment are the pivotal pieces of mental health awareness and support in the workplace.”
Mental Health Resources & Educational Materials
Major League Baseball's Mental Health Resource Center
Major League Baseball is committed to the well-being of our players, on and off the field. We provide a variety of services, including free and confidential counseling, a 24/7 hotline and external educational resources to encourage and support positive mental health practices.
National Institutes of Health: Emotional Wellness Toolkit
How you feel can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities, your relationships, and your overall mental health. How you react to your experiences and feelings can change over time. Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times.
DOL's OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
For many individuals with a mental health condition (and many without a mental health condition), work is key to their health, contributing to a sense of purpose and well-being. This is why it’s important that employers understand how to foster a mental health-friendly work culture.
Our Valued Partners
