Why MHAYA ?
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MHAYA is essential at this juncture as it aims to addresses a critical need within the young age group, where athletes commonly encounter burnout or disengagement from their sports. Burnout, often triggered by waning interest, compels young individuals to cease participation in a sport they might have otherwise enjoyed later in life. Prolonged feelings of disinterest can escalate into psychological disorders such as anxiety, personality disorders, and depression. While professional help is typically accessible at the college or pro level, many athletes have already abandoned their sports by that point. Children often miss timely intervention due to a lack of awareness or resources. In essence, nobody should endure mental health challenges in sports, as sport is intended to be enjoyable and invigorating activity.
How can MHAYA help?
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Mental Health for Young Athletes, can play a crucial role in supporting the mental well-being of young individuals engaged in sports through various initiatives and strategies
Early Intervention:
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MHAYA focuses on identifying signs of burnout, disinterest, or mental health concerns at an early stage. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of issues and help young athletes navigate challenges more effectively.
Educational Resources:
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MHAYA provides educational materials and resources to young athletes, coaches, and parents. These resources may include articles, videos, and workshops that raise awareness about mental health in sports, common challenges, and coping strategies.
Mental Health Workshops:
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Conducting workshops and training sessions specifically tailored for young athletes can empower them with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and performance pressure. These workshops may cover topics such as meditation, and positive mindset development
Peer Support Programs:
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Establishing peer support programs where young athletes can connect with and support each other. Creating a sense of community allows individuals to share experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a supportive environment.
Parental Guidance:
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Providing guidance and resources for parents to better understand the mental health challenges their children may face in sports. MHAYA aims to create a collaborative approach involving athletes, coaches, and parents to collectively support the mental well-being of young individuals.
Awareness Campaigns:
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Launching awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health discussions in the sports community. By normalizing conversations around mental health, MHAYA encourages athletes to seek help without fear of judgment.
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Anya Kawlekar is the founder of project MHAYA. She is a rising junior at Robbinsville High School, NJ. Anya is a nationaly ranked competitive squash player. She is passionate about sports psychology, and founded MHAYA to raise awareness and support the mental health crises amongst young athletes.