Changing the narrative and removing the stigmas around mental health for pro athletes is beyond necessary.
The NBA and the Jed Foundation has teamed up in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. The Jed Foundation is dedicated to promoting mental health and preventing suicides. The Foundation is now part of the NBA Cares community and is sharing 8 clips from Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw with NBA fans who want to learn more about the former hoops legends personal mental health experiences.
Supporting Mental Health, Not Stigmatizing it
As unique as Chamique’s journey is, it reflects the challenges faced by millions of people and families dealing with similar issues. The following clips and questions will take you through parts of Chamique’s story and encourage self-reflection on prioritizing your mental wellness and the mental health of others around you. Holdsclaw’s experiences help us all understand the importance of identifying challenges, seeking help, and being open with others in order to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
The clips and corresponding questions take you through parts of Chamique’s unique story and encourage self-reflection on prioritizing mental wellness.
Click here to check out the 8 clips from Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw
Changing The Narrative
Recently, several NBA players, other high profile athletes, and entertainers have shared stories of their struggles with mental health. The brave revelations and shared experiences have contributed to changing society’s outdated and negative perceptions about people suffering from mental health illnesses.
It’s also inspired others struggling with the disease to step forward and seek help before it permanently crippled their lives.
The film was produced and directed by Rick Goldsmith and distributed through his company KOVNO COMMUNICATIONS.
The one-hour documentary film, tells the story of Holdsclaw’s rise from legendary Queens high school hoops star to WNBA All-Star, all the while battling mental illness and the stigma attached.
“From the rough-edged courts of New York City and recruited by Coach Pat Summitt for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols, Chamique Holdsclaw was hailed as the “female Michael Jordan,” impressing crowds with her artistry, athleticism and drive.
A 3-time NCAA champ and Number One draft pick in the WNBA, Holdsclaw seemed destined for a spectacular professional career—until her long-suppressed battle with mental disorders emerged to derail her career and threaten her life.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgEaZbP7RyI
IT’S ALL IN THE MIND
“Mind/Game intimately chronicles Holdsclaw’s athletic accomplishments and personal setbacks, and her decision — despite public stigma — to become an outspoken mental health advocate. Still, she would face dramatic, unexpected challenges to her own recovery. The film, narrated by legendary actress Glenn Close, tells a powerful story of courage, struggle, and redemption.”
The NBA Mind Health team and Dr. Victor Schwartz of the Jed Foundation have supported Chamique’s story, her film, and continue to create more awareness and safe spaces to discuss mental health.
Fans are able to view the entire film for free until May 31st, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
https://vimeo.com/333416014
