Athlete Support

Strong Athletes Ask for Help

Your mental game is part of your game. Here's how to take care of it — and exactly where to turn when you need backup.

Asking for help is a skill you train.

The best players work at it like any other rep. Performance and health aren't the same thing — take care of both.

If you're struggling right now

Free · confidential · 24/7. You don't have to be in crisis to reach out — any hard moment counts.

Call 988Suicide & Crisis Lifeline› Text 988If talking out loud feels like too much› Text HOME to 741741Crisis Text Line · free, 24/7› Call 911If you or someone else is in immediate danger›

Reaching out early is one of the strongest moves you can make. Naming a hard moment out loud is the first skill — and it's one you can practice.

When it's normal — and when to talk to someone

Ups and downs are part of a season. A few patterns are worth flagging to a coach, parent, trainer, or counselor — especially if they stick around more than a week or two.

Normal — you've got tools for this

Nerves before serving or a big point — it means you care
Frustration after errors or sitting a few rotations
Feeling flat for a few days after a tough stretch, then bouncing back
Soreness that clears up after a rest day

Time to talk to someone

Low mood or irritability that won't lift after 1–2 weeks
Dreading or wanting to skip practice — a pattern, not one bad day
Pulling away from friends or stuff you used to enjoy
Hiding pain, or food/body rules taking up real space in your head
"I'm nothing without volleyball" running on repeat
Any thought of self-harm or not wanting to be here → use the buttons above

How to speak up

You don't need perfect words. A simple, honest opener is enough. Start with whoever feels safest.

To a coach"I'm having a hard time resetting after mistakes. Can we talk about one thing to focus on?"

To a parent or trusted adult"I'm feeling overloaded and I'm not really sure what I need yet."

When you just need to be heard"I don't need you to fix it. I just need you to hear me out first."

When it's bigger than volleyball"I think I need help from someone outside the sport."

Where to turn

Free places to start in Massachusetts — tap to call or text. You can reach out yourself, no permission slip required.

Massachusetts · anytime

MA Behavioral Health Help LineCall, text, or chat · 24/7

833-773-2445

Free for anyone in MA, with or without insurance. You can call just for yourself.

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Finding a therapist

William James INTERFACEReferral helpline · Mon–Fri · free

888-244-6843

Free matching to a provider who fits — for participating MA communities. Ask a parent to call with you if you're under 18.

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Hope Ave TherapyWaltham · Greater Boston · Telehealth

Therapy & evaluations for athletes navigating the pressure of competitive sport and life.

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Specialized support

National Alliance for Eating DisordersTherapist-staffed helpline

866-662-1235

Free, confidential help for food, weight, or body stuff. Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET.

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The Trevor ProjectFor LGBTQ+ young people · 24/7

866-488-7386 · text START to 678-678

Free, confidential, no judgment.

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For athletes, by athletes

The Hidden Opponentthehiddenopponent.org

Started by a former college volleyball player. Real stories from people who've been where you are.

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Morgan's Messagemorgansmessage.org

Treating the mind the way sports treat the body — and making talking about it normal.

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Looking out for a teammate

Notice someone's off? You don't have to diagnose anything — just open the door and help them reach an adult. Try: "You don't seem like yourself lately. Want to talk, or want me to help you find someone?"

Want to talk to someone?

Hope Ave Therapy works with athletes and families on exactly this. Start with a free, no-pressure call — bring a parent if you're under 18.

Book a free 30-minute call Visit hopeavetherapy.com

Therapy · Evaluations · Coach & Parent Support — Waltham · Greater Boston · Telehealth