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Experts: Student athletes at risk of suicide Thursday Jan 18, 2018 at 5:25 PM Jan 18, 2018 at 5:25 PM Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune @VickieAldous In the wake of the apparent suicide of Washington State University quarterback Tyler Hilinski, experts are warning that the high-pressure world faced by student athletes puts them at heightened risk of suicide. After Hilinski missed a workout, police in Pullman, Washington, went to his off-campus apartment on Tuesday and found the 21-year-old dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police found a rifle near his body and a suicide note. "Our young people who are in college are under an awful lot of pressure these days, especially our student athletes," said Robin Henderson, chief executive of behavioral health for Providence Medical Group, which includes Providence Medford Medical Center. "When you think about it, you're right in that age range of 18-26. You're not fully emotionally developed, and yet as a student athlete you're expected to be perfect — and be perfect all the time." Faced with academic, sports and social pressures, many of today's teens report stress levels that are higher than the levels experienced by adults, according to the American Psychological Association. Henderson said student athletes often feel that showing they are depressed or anxious will be interpreted as a sign of weakness. She said everyone needs to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. "We're really great at helping our student athletes rehab their knees," Henderson said. "But are we really great at helping them rehab their emotions?" Hilinski's death set off a flurry of social media posts by athletes, coaches and others. In a post, former Washington State and NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe said, "As men we have to learn to TALK about how we are feeling. Suicide is the #2 killer of men between 18-45!! Reaching out for help when we need it is NOT a sign of weakness. Trusting your friends and asking for help is the ultimate sign of STRENGTH!! If we sprain an ankle we go see a doctor. If we’re struggling emotionally we have to learn to treat it the same way. It’s our obligation to the people we love and the people who love us." Both male and female student athletes fall in the age demographics when the risk of suicide is at its peak. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among males age 10-34, topped only by unintentional injuries. Suicide slips to the No. 3 spot for men age 35-44 as heart disease rises to the No. 2 position, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for females age 15-24, with unintentional injures being No. 1. Suicide drops to the No. 3 spot in the 25-34 age range, when cancer takes over as No. 2, according to the CDC. Henderson said suicide prevention help is as close as a phone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255. The YouthLine number is 877-968-8491. Youths can also communicate with teen2teen by texting 839863. "If you're feeling suicidal or depressed, there's always somebody on the other end of the national suicide hotline to talk with you. There's always somebody there to text with," she said. For help with eating disorders, dating violence, substance abuse, self-injury and other issues, call 310-855-4673, text TEEN to 839863 or visit teenlineonline.org. Henderson said parents can take action by talking to their kids in elementary, middle and high school about mental health issues such as depression. They should also make plans for communicating regularly with their college-age kids. She suggested one way to kick off a conversation is to ask, "Are you feeling overwhelmed or depressed?" Parents should talk to their kids about mental health in the same way that they discuss drugs, alcohol and other issues facing youths, Henderson said. "We've got to start early and often," she said. Parents should be alert to symptoms of depression, including changes in sleeping habits, appetite, exercise, hobbies and interests. "If somebody's a big video gamer and they suddenly stop because it doesn't interest them anymore, you've got something going on," Henderson said. The national Well Being Trust foundation offers the following tips for parents: Watch for signs of depression, including sadness, irritability, loss of interest, changes in eating or sleeping habits, loss of energy and motivation, grades dropping, suicidal thoughts or feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt. Talk to kids about their feelings and experiences without being judgmental or trying to fix problems. Accentuate the positive by noticing and complimenting kids for the positive things they do, like going to school, holding down a part-time job, doing homework or doing chores — even when they are expected to do those things. Say more positive than negative things. Encourage teens to call or text help lines, or help find a therapist if one is needed. Take care of yourself to avoid becoming physically and emotionally exhausted from caring for your child. The Well Being Trust foundation offers the following tips for teens: Take care of your physical health with exercise, nutritious food and adequate sleep. Deal with stress in relaxing, healthy ways like listening to music, watching a movie, doing something artistic, writing in a journal and reading. Assemble a mental health kit with items to help you such as headphones, a journal, a sketchbook, a stuffed animal or books. Connect with others by calling a friend or trusted family member, starting a blog or vlog, taking part in extracurricular activities, spending time with animals, volunteering, using social media or getting out to a public space, like a mall or bookstore. Visit kiisfm.iheart.com/featured/be-well/ to get tips for tough situations like bullying, making it through a break-up and arguing with your parents.  Visit teentalk.ca/learn-about/consent-2/ to learn more about consent and sexual activity. Visit emmresourcecenter.org/resources/be-true-and-be-you-basic-guide-lgbtq-youth for a mental health guide for LGBTQ+ youth. — Reach staff reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or [email protected]. Follow her at www.twitter.com/VickieAldous.