Stress – AYSO Volunteer Resources

Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems that affect one’s ability to function at daily tasks.

Causes of depression may vary, from personality, genetics , biochemistry, environmental factors, or a traumatic life event. Depression symptoms can vary in severity (mild to severe) and may include:

Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression is treatable, and most people respond well to treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, seek the help of a professional, like a counselor (MA, MFT, LCSW), psychiatrist (M.D. or D.O) or psychotherapist (PhD., PsyD, or EdD). You can find a local reference by clicking one of the links below.

Psychology Today

American Psychiatric Association

Psychiatry.org

Mental Health Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24/7 free, confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-8255

National Sexual Assault Hotline
Sexual assault support
https://online.rainn.org
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Eating Disorder Association
Free, confidential helpline and support
http://myneda.org/helpline-chat
1-800-931-2237
24/7 support via text (send NEDA to 741-741)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Free, national helpline, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
24/7 support via text (send to 435748 (HELP4U)) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889

Welcome to Mental Health & Well-Being

AYSO believes in providing a positive, fair, and fun soccer experience for all our players and volunteers.

From striving to create an environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, to focusing on player enjoyment as well as player development, AYSO believes all kids deserve the opportunity to thrive and grow with the support of their peers and mentors within a healthy, supportive community.

Therefore, in addition to our accredited soccer program, we are pleased to offer supportive resources related to mental health and well-being. Supported by an innovative partnership with industry leader US Center Mental Health in Sport, and information provided by by Mind Fit Performance founder Katie (Mckee) Lovallo, M.A., we encourage you to use this area to find valuable education articles to help reduce stress, eliminate anxiety, improve performance and foster good mental health & well-being practices within your AYSO region and throughout your network of family and friends.

Books:

Article Links:

Resources for Families After Gun Violence:

Video Links:

Organizations:

Mental Health Resources: