In today’s competitive times, where students and especially athletes are under pressure to perform well all the time, it has become extremely important to discuss sensitive issues like mental health. Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg has come up with a commendable and inspiring initiative in this direction. The Department of Sport Psychology of Virginia Tech Athletics, in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Hokie Club, celebrates the month of May every year as Mental Health Awareness Month. The main objective of this initiative is to mentally empower students participating in sports, provide them counseling and emotional support, and prioritize their mental health.
This year, this fundraising campaign has been restarted, which will run for the entire month of May. In this, financial support will be sought from the students, alumni, sports lovers and supporters of the university so that the ‘Counseling and Athletic Mental Performance’ (CAMP) program can be strengthened further. This program provides mental health services to the university’s more than 600 student-athletes, such as individual counseling, team workshops, and suicide prevention training.
CAMP: A name of faith, where players do not feel alone
CAMP, i.e., ‘Counseling and Athletic Mental Performance,’ is not just a program but a thought that is working to make student-athletes mentally strong. While performing on the field, a player not only fights his opponent, but he also grapples with the emotional turmoil going on within him. Sometimes the burden of defeat, sometimes the worry of not being in form, and sometimes the problems of personal life—all these can disturb the mental balance of the player. CAMP presents a strong framework to maintain this balance.
Dr. Gary Bennett, who is the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Virginia Tech and also heads CAMP, says that this fundraising campaign is extremely important to continue the services being provided by them. “We have made significant strides in improving the mental health of our student-athletes so far, thanks to the generosity of Hokie Nation. Their support allows us to move forward and provide quality mental health support to our more than 600 student-athletes,” he says.
The program is not just about treatment; it also seeks to break social stigmas around mental health. Players understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but courage. They use this platform to openly share their problems and take steps towards positive change.
Emotional Support Specialists: An Overlooked Support System
The psychologists and counselors at Virginia Tech’s Department of Sport Psychology act not like traditional medical professionals, but as trusted partners to whom student-athletes can vent. These specialists are sensitive, empathetic, and completely non-judgmental. Student-athletes feel that they are going to someone who not only understands them but also empowers them internally.
“Our sport psychology team creates an environment for our student-athletes to share their problems without fear,” says Chris Helms, Executive Associate Athletic Director for Sport Administration, who oversees the CAMP program. “The accessibility and sensitivity of these professionals makes the process very simple. This not only improves mental health services but also breaks down the misconceptions about seeking help in society.”
When an athlete can openly express his mental struggles and seek help without hesitation, his confidence increases. He not only performs better in sports but also feels balanced and strong in other aspects of life.
Public support builds a strong mental health system.
The most special thing about this campaign is that anyone—be it a Virginia Tech alumnus, a local citizen or just any supporter willing to contribute to the field of mental health—can participate in it. Every small or big donation made under this initiative directly provides financial support to the activities and services under the CAMP program.
Those who want to take part in this noble cause can provide support to the Sports Psychology Department of Virginia Tech through online media. The help given by them can further strengthen initiatives like individual counseling, mental health workshops, group activities and suicide prevention campaigns.
This campaign also promotes the idea that mental health is not just a medical subject, but it is a social responsibility. If we expect the best performance from our players, then we should protect their mental health with the same seriousness as we do their physical health.
Conclusion: A dedicated journey towards mental strength
Today, when awareness about mental health is increasing across the world, this initiative of Virginia Tech sets a new example. This is not just a university initiative, but a university initiative.
It’s not just a Yalay initiative; it’s a philosophy—a movement that reminds us that every athlete is not just a player but a human being with their own emotions, stresses, and struggles. Programs like CAMP provide a means to embrace and honor these human aspects.
This campaign breaks the silence around mental health and shows that change is possible when action is taken with support, understanding, and sensitivity. Discussing mental health is no longer a taboo but a necessary and respectful conversation—and Virginia Tech is a shining example of that.
