Overview

The prevalence of mental illness in athletes is now becoming well, and all too often sensationally, documented. Recognising and responding effectively to mental health problems has often been difficult due to the stigma associated with mental illness. This seminar, facilitated by Professor John Mendoza, former CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia and the Australian Sports Drug Agency, will focus on understanding, recognising and managing mental illness in athletes. There will be case studies on both male and female athletes and on individual and team sports to assist all those involved with an athlete to recognise mental illness and provide an environment of support. Strategies for maintaining good mental health and well-being will also be discussed.

Presenters

John Mendoza
Adjunct Professor, Health Science, University of the Sunshine Coast;
Associate Professor, Medicine, University of Sydney;
Director, ConNetica Consulting;
former CEO, The Mental Health Council of Australia; and
former CEO, Australian Sports Drug Agency;

Dr June Canavan
Sports Physician, Honorary Medical Officer Swimming Queensland,
and Mental Health Researcher

Sarah Ryan
former Olympic & Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Swimmer

Simon Tatz
Director Communications and Marketing,
The Mental Health Council of Australia

Topics

   - Mental health and mental illnesses defined
   - Why mental illness is a young person’s problem
   - Maintaining mental health and well-being
   - Drugs, alcohol and mental illness
   - Defining the role of the coaching, administration and medical
       staff
   - De-stigmatising mental illness in your sport
   - Managing and communicating with athletes with mental illness
       in your sport
   - Skills and strategies for performance enhancement
   - The media and mental illness

How Will Participants Benefit

After the seminar, the participants will
1. Better recognise different mental health problems and illnesses
2. Develop an understanding of communication strategies and the
   vocabulary to use in dealing with mental health issues
3. Know your role and that of others in the identification, intervention
   and management of athletes with a mental health problem or illness
4. Acquire practical strategies and initiatives to create a supportive
   culture and environment of openness
5. Acquire skills for dealing with the media and others

Participant Mix

Coaches
Counsellors
HR Managers
Player Welfare Managers
Sport Psychologists
High Performance Managers
Sports Medicine Practitioners