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October 2-October 9, 2021 marks the 2nd annual college football mental health awareness week established by The Hilinksi’s HopeFoundation (H3H). This coincides with Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 3-9, culminating on World Mental Health Day on October 10.
H3H helps colleges and universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student athletes. H3H does this by connecting students with mental health resources, assisting universities to institutionalize best practices, and sharing Tyler Hilinski's story.
Of the three Hilinski boys, Tyler was the largest at birth and would always have a ball in his hand from the moment he could grasp one. Many describe Tyler as the happiest person on and off the field. He always had a smile on his face and kind words for the people around him. Tyler was recruited by Washington State University and threw his first touchdown at WSU as a red-shirt sophomore against Arizona.
However, Tyler may best be remembered for his play in the Boise State game. Entering the game in the 4th quarter with less than 10 minutes to play and WSU down 31-10, Tyler rallied the team back! Three overtimes later, Tyler threw the game winning touchdown to Jamal Morrow. WSU fans rushed the field as WSU players hoisted Tyler on their shoulders. From that moment on, Tyler became known as the “Comeback Kid”.
Just a few months later Tyler died by suicide on January 16, 2018. On the day he passed, Tyler went to football practice at 7am but didn’t show up for the team afternoon weight lifting session. Tyler never showed any signs of depression or struggle.
Top Form Psychology honors the Hilinski Family and the H3H foundation for being a Top PerFORMer in the field of sport mental health. H3H is a pillar of hope for those lost and suffering in silence.
College football mental health awareness week is a call-to-action for colleges and universities nationwide to participate in breaking down stigma, offering quality resources, and letting student athletes know that we care.
To learn more about H3H and the fight for student athlete mental health please visit www.hilinskishope.org
SOURCE Hilinski's Hope Foundation
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