How to stop the NFL’s “brainwashing” of players
The NFL is trying to make its players feel comfortable about their mental health, and it’s getting pretty creative with how they do it.
Here are five ways the league is trying its best to help.
1.
Make them feel comfortable by using video.
The NFL has been taking steps to make players feel more comfortable.
The league recently hired former NFL safety John Lynch, a psychologist who specializes in treating mental health issues.
Lynch, who previously worked as a psychiatrist, has written several articles for ESPN and has spoken to more than 300 NFL players.
In his most recent article, he writes that the NFL is “using neuroscience to help athletes better understand themselves and their bodies.”
Lynch said the league hopes to “bring mental health awareness to players in the locker room, on the field, and in life.”
Lynch has also been working with players at a number of universities.
2.
Get players talking about their depression.
While many people may not understand how depression affects a person’s life, Lynch says it’s important for players to talk about it.
That’s why Lynch has created a new website called “The Mental Health Team,” which has videos of players discussing their mental struggles.
He says that players need to get to know their teammates better.
3.
Train players to listen.
In order to help players who are depressed, Lynch has developed a program called “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.”
The program uses video games and other media to teach players about how to listen and be compassionate.
4.
Use technology to help them find help.
Lynch said that he hopes to eventually have a system in place where players can find support through online programs.
“We want to have players who know what’s going on and have an understanding of the process,” Lynch said.
5.
Create a “cognitive behavioral therapy” for players.
Lynchi has created cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychological treatment that focuses on teaching people to identify their emotions and behaviors.
“CBT is a form of cognitive behavioral treatment,” he said.
The term refers to a type “of psychotherapy that focuses in on the therapeutic process of identifying and understanding the causes of a person and their behavior,” according to the National Association for Behavioral Health.
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