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    • Hilinski's Hope & Mental Health in College Sports

    Guests: Kym and Mark Hilinski, Co-founders of Hilinski's Hope

    Hosts: Dr. Mark Allen & Dr. Tommy Horn

    Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.).

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    AI SUMMARY

    Episode Overview

    College athlete mental health is one of the most urgent issues in collegiate sports - and few advocates have moved the conversation further than Kym and Mark Hilinski. In this powerful episode of the Peak Sports Psychiatry Podcast, Drs. Mark Allen and Tommy Horn sit down with the co-founders of Hilinski's Hope to discuss the loss of their son Tyler, a Washington State quarterback who died by suicide in 2018. They share how unimaginable grief became a national mission to destigmatize mental health in college sports, train coaches and staff to recognize warning signs, and build sustainable mental health infrastructure across NCAA athletic programs nationwide.

    Key Takeaways

  • • Mental Health Doesn't Discriminate: Even successful athletes can struggle silently with mental health challenges.
  • • The Power of Storytelling: Sharing Tyler's story has helped break down barriers and encourage athletes to seek help.
  • • Systemic Change is Needed: Athletic programs must proactively build mental health infrastructure and support systems.
  • • Education Saves Lives: Teaching athletes, coaches, and staff to recognize warning signs is crucial for prevention.
  • • Community Support Matters: Creating cultures where seeking help is normalized can transform athletic environments.

    • Show Notes

    About the Guests

    Kym and Mark Hilinski is Co-founders of Hilinski's Hope.

    Topics Discussed

  • • Tyler Hilinski's story and the impact of his loss
  • • The founding and mission of Hilinski's Hope
  • • Breaking stigma around mental health in athletics
  • • Warning signs and prevention strategies
  • • Building mental health programs in college athletics
  • • The role of coaches and teammates in mental health support
  • • Resources available through Hilinski's Hope

    • Resources Mentioned

  • • Hilinski's Hope Official Website
  • • NCAA Student-Athlete Mental Health Best Practices
  • • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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