- Got Questions? Let’s Break It Down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re a coach, parent, or supporter, this section helps you understand how Connect Sport works, why mental health literacy matters, and how to take action that makes a difference.
Mental Health Literacy Basics
Mental health literacy means knowing how to recognize mental health challenges, understanding when to seek help, and knowing where to turn. In sports, this knowledge helps reduce stigma, improves support among coaches, teammates, and parents, and leads to earlier intervention, which often means better outcomes.
When mental health literacy is low, silence, misunderstanding, and stigma thrive. Athletes may hide struggle, fear judgment, or avoid seeking help. That can hurt performance, wellbeing, and team cohesion. Increasing literacy in sport helps create safe spaces for honest conversations.
Yes. Training focused on identifying signs, using supportive language, and modeling healthy behaviour helps coaches and teams change how mental health is discussed—making stigma less of a barrier and encouraging people to reach out sooner.
Course-related / How Connect Sport Helps
You’ll learn three core objectives: Identify early signs, Model supportive behaviors and language, and Link youth to trusted resources. The course delivers practical actions you can apply immediately with your team or family.
No. The course is designed for beginners or anyone wanting to improve their understanding. All the concepts are clear, real-life, and non-clinical—just tools to support mental well-being.
Yes. While both cover the same core concepts, the examples, scenarios, and tips are tailored. Coaches get team/training-specific insights; parents get home/relationship context.
Each dollar amount of the course helps fund advocacy, innovation, and outreach so more coaches, parents, and communities can access training. Your fee also helps expand resources and reduce barriers in underserved areas.
It takes about one hour to finish. Yes—you’ll have access afterward to revisit content and resources whenever you need a refresher.
Applying What You Learn
Watch for changes in mood, behaviour, performance, sleep, or social withdrawal. Also note attitude shifts like irritability, loss of interest, or fatigue. Use your knowledge from the “Identify” module to understand what these may mean.
It means using kind and accurate language when talking about mental health, showing empathy when someone is struggling, being open about your own challenges if appropriate, and encouraging accountability while supporting wellbeing.
Listen first. Offer help, then share reputable, safe resources—helplines, local support services, or professional help. Always respect confidentiality and let the person decide what’s next.
Resources & Further Learning
Connect Sport provides downloadable guides and links to crisis helplines. If it’s urgent, reach local mental health hotlines or 911 (or equivalent). Use trusted services—avoid unverified or anonymous sources that could mislead.
Look for credentials (registered psychologists, therapists), check reviews/referrals, ensure the provider respects confidentiality, and sees sport context. Use resource lists from Connect Sport—and always check current legitimacy.
Yes. Group settings encourage shared language, open dialogue, peer support, and reduce stigma because you see others learning too. It helps create culture-wide change—not just personal change.
Preventing & Responding to Issues
Don’t ignore it. Use your training: listen without judgment, ask open questions, suggest professional help. If the person is in danger of harm to self or others, contact emergency services or immediate mental health support.
Look for credentials (registered psychologists, therapistsaInclude regular check-ins, coach education, safe spaces for discussions, mental health warm-ups or reflections, and policies for mental wellness. Make mental health a part of the culture—just like fitness or injury prevention., check reviews/referrals, ensure the provider respects confidentiality, and sees sport context. Use resource lists from Connect Sport—and always check current legitimacy.
Absolutely. Recognizing your own signs (fatigue, irritability, withdrawal), using self-care strategies, setting boundaries, and accessing peer or professional support are important. Modeling wellness includes taking care of yourself.
Preventing & Responding to Issues
Research shows that programs improving literacy reduce stigma, increase help-seeking intent, and improve knowledge. (SpringerOpen+2PMC+2) While direct changes in long-term outcomes need more study, early evidence is promising.
They offer easier access, anonymity, and can track wellbeing over time. For example, digital mental health literacy interventions have been shown to increase understanding and reduce hesitation to seek help. (SAGE Journals)
Youth sport combines physical, emotional, and social stressors. Young people are developing identity and coping skills. Early understanding helps them build resilience, manage challenges, and feel supported, which improves both performance and well-being.
Struggling to Reach Out? You’re Not Alone.
Stigma and uncertainty can make it hard to ask for help—but knowing where to start makes all the difference. Our resources are here to guide you with tools, tips, and support you can trust.
One hour. One course. A lifetime of impact for mental well-being—on and off the field.