Each September, the mental health field calls national attention to the difficult topic of suicide. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and while over 39,000 people die by suicide every year, there are four male suicides for every female suicide.* Studies suggest that for every person who commits suicide, at least six people are intimately impacted, and the NFL family is no exception. In my role as the NFL Player Engagement’s Director of Transition and Clinical Services, I would be remiss in allowing this month to close without helping to increase awareness about this issue, and further the conversation about suicide prevention.
Before I had the opportunity to serve in my current role with the NFL, in my work as a clinician I saw first-hand the individual, family, and community impact of suicide. During that time, I also served as a Transition Coach to assist players in helping them to smooth their transitions and find the resources they needed for a successful move to life after football. The goals of some of my clinical work and the goals of the Transition Coaches Program seemed to have incredible overlap.
My transition out of the league was also the source of an identity crisis for me because I had identified so closely with the game that I wasn’t sure who I was without it. And even though I had a new opportunity waiting for me, I really missed football. I felt worthless and I was conflicted. I was angry that I wasn’t able to play anymore and I was angry for a long time. No one seemed to understand and I didn’t let many people in when I was depressed and feeling hopeless. Eventually, the counselor ended up going to counseling and through that, I was finally able to let go of my former life as a professional athlete and simply celebrate the fact that I accomplished something that many others could not.
Seeking counseling and assistance at that time was a key part of my finding success after football. It’s important that we provide those resources and support systems for all players before, during, and after their transition. Having a Transition Coach available to reach out and reconnect with these men has been extremely valuable because it reestablishes that locker room feeling and reminds them that they are never alone in this. And for many, the simple thought of knowing they aren’t alone can be enough to prevent the thoughts or actions that can eventually lead to suicide.
The NFL has a number of resources for players seeking assistance, including the NFL Lifeline (800)506-0078 and online chat at NFLLIfeLine.org), which is an independent, confidential crisis and support line with designated staff trained to work with members of the NFL family. They take calls from players, spouses, staff, friends, family members, and anyone else who touches the NFL family. Whether it’s a big crisis or small crisis, they will get you in touch with the right person even if you need something other than crisis intervention. Research has shown that these types of hotline and follow-up services can reduce emotional distress and suicidal crises.
We also have counseling services available through our NFL Players Assistance and Counseling Service Program. This service provides eight confidential counseling sessions per issue and is available to all current and former players and anyone in their household, children and spouse included. You can get more information about this program either by calling the NFL Life Line or the NFL Players Assistance and Counseling Service Program directly at (866)421-8628.
The purpose of the NFL PE Transition Coaches Program is to create a peer-to-peer mentoring network with the understanding that football players are more likely to listen to, trust, and follow up with a guy who has walked the walk himself. During those calls and meetings, guys are more likely to open up and talk about the challenges of transitioning out of the game. As part of that program, Transition Coaches are certified in suicide prevention and intervention using the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program. As former players ourselves, we recognize that the psychological shift that often takes place when a player transitions out of the game can be massive. As a clinician, I know that the lack of social support can be a tremendous contributing factor to thoughts of suicide. That intense sense of isolation, once the support of the locker room is gone, is something many former players experience—myself included.
As I learned from my own experience, some of the toughest periods of life for all of us come during times of transition, because transitions are not only about change, but also frequently about loss. The loss of relationships, financial wellbeing, or health status can often trigger periods of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Further, events in our lives that cause us to feel shame or humiliation can result in significant pain and can also create suicidal thoughts. There is no reason to go through these events alone. Studies suggest that while untreated depression can be a significant contributing factor to suicide, most people who receive treatment for their suicidal thoughts or depression get better!
We know that suicide is preventable, and the best way to prevent suicide is through early recognition of signs and symptoms and getting the necessary treatment and support. As part of Suicide Prevention Month, we encourage players and others in the NFL family to be aware of and utilize the resources available. And it’s not just this month, but every month. We all play a part in suicide prevention, by being there for each other on and off the field.
*Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data & Statistics Fatal Injury Report for 2011
Dwight is a National Board Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with adolescents, families, and adults around a variety of clinical and non-clinical issues. Dwight is currently the Director of Transition and Clinical Services for the National Football League working in the Player Engagement Department overseeing the Life Platform. Dwight’s mission and goal is assisting current and former NFL players in achieving Total Wellness. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a dual degree in psychology and speech communication. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, while playing football for the Miami Dolphins. In total he played professional football for 9 years including a stint with the Indianapolis Colts.