Student-Athlete Mental Health Addressed by Former Scots' Runner Dr. Frank Clark '02
Monmouth, IL (10/22/2019) — On the eve of Monmouth College's Homecoming last weekend, alumnus Dr. Frank Clark '02 addressed an audience of nearly 100 current Fighting Scots on the subject of student-athlete mental health.
Now a psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Clark ran cross country and track for the Scots 20 years ago and cited his experiences both in competition and life as examples of the struggles student-athletes face. Mental health issues affect one in every five people, although a recent survey suggested that number rises to one in four when considering student-athletes.
"Running was, and still is, my outlet," he told the group. "Running keeps me grounded. I graduated early and lost what would have been my spring season of track. I felt isolated. I became depressed."
He explained that's not an uncommon feeling at the end of your career.
"When it's part of your daily life, and suddenly it's gone, there's a void," he said. "It's similar when you suffer an injury. You have these doubts. Will I be able to come back and will I be diminished?"
Just facing the everyday struggle of balancing classroom and athletics can be a daunting task. Pressure - both internal and external - plays a part in the student-athlete's mental health. Clark warned against student-athletes judging themselves based on others' performances or expectations.
"Someone is always going to be bigger, stronger, faster or smarter than you, and that's OK," he explained. "You don't have to measure up to anyone. You simply have to try to be your best you."
Clark stressed that while college is a maturation process, it's important to reach out for help when feeling depressed, which is not the same as being sad.
"Everyone is sad from time to time, but depression is a lingering feeling and something that makes you unable to function," said Clark. "If you're in that place, reach out. If you suspect a teammate or friend is in that place, reach out to them."
Reaching out can be difficult, as suggested by one student-athlete who said fear of appearing weak may deter some from seeking the help they need.
"That perception really is a problem," admitted Clark. "But you've got to look at it from a different perspective. Mental health is no different than physical health in that regard. We don't view someone with high blood pressure or diabetes as weak. It's just a condition you treat. It's the same with mental health."
Student-athletes don't necessarily need to speak to someone with Clark's training. A listening ear will often do the trick. For example, one student-athlete said they felt comfortable speaking with coaches about their concerns, both athletically and academically.
The star quarterback, the All-American, the Rhodes Scholar, all are at risk for mental health issues, according to Clark, who used professional athletes with mental health problems as examples that no one is immune.
"Fame and fortune are not guarantees depression won't strike," said Clark. "We've seen it recently in former NBA and NFL players. They had reached the pinnacle of success, but still had mental health issues. Depression is a serious problem and can shorten your life expectancy 10 to 20 years. Suicide is in the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States, and it's going up."
Clark offered advice for the student-athletes and anyone battling mental health problems.
"Get some sleep," summarized Clark. "You need to reset your clock, get at least six hours of sleep and wake up refreshed. No. 2, you don't have to say 'Yes' to everyone. You determine your load. Do something you enjoy doing. For me, it's running. Find that happy place. Finally, if you're battling mental health issues, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Seek out help, whether it's a professional, a coach, a teammate, family member. Just talk to someone."
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