This week is Big 12 Mental Health Awareness Week! Today we are talking about anxiety as a Student-Athlete. First, we will look at what is anxiety and how can it show up in our mind and body! #Big12BreakstheStigma

As a Student-Athlete, there are unique stressors that you have to deal with. On their own, they seem manageable, but when all put together, they can feel overwhelming and lead to anxiety. Look for the next post on some ways you can manage those feelings! #Big12BreakstheStigma

We have learned what anxiety is, how it can show up in your mind and body, and factors that can contribute to anxiety as a student athlete. Now, let’s look at some tips to manage anxiety! #Big12BreakstheStigma 💜

Follow along with us today as we talk about social media use for student-athletes!

Your social media feed impacts your mindset. 🧠 This week, take a moment to follow accounts that inspire, uplift, and motivate you—and unfollow those that drain your energy. 💡#WreckTheStigma #Big12BreaksTheStigma

Taking a break from social media can be a game changer for your mental health. 🧠🔌 This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, try unplugging for an hour, a day, or more—reconnect with yourself and your goals. 📴#WreckTheStigma #Big12BreaksTheStigma

You don’t have to be perfect online. It’s ok to show up as you are, with the highs and lows. Don’t let social media pressure you to put on a facade—authenticity is powerful. Check out these tips on lowering media pressure from social media! 💪#WreckTheStigma #Big12BreaksTheStigma

👥 Set healthy boundaries on social media. Whether it’s muting notifications or limiting your screen time, small changes can protect your mental space. 💬 This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, prioritize your mental wellness online. #WreckTheStigma #Big12BreaksTheStigma

🔍 Reminder: Social media is a highlight reel. It's easy to compare yourself to others, but you never see the whole story. Focus on your own journey and progress. Thanks for following along with us as we explored social media use today! 🌱#WreckTheStigma #Big12BreaksTheStigma

Athletes push their bodies to the limit, but some turn to substances to cope with stress, pain, or pressure. Let's talk about healthier ways to recover & reset. Follow along with us today as we talk about substance use and self-medication for student-athletes! #BigXIIMentalHealth

1 in 4 student-athletes report using substances to cope. It’s important to recognize that there are many reasons they report using substances like: stress & pressure, physical pain, sleep struggles, mental health challenges, social influence #Big12BreaksTheStigma

Injury can lead to significant changes in the life of an athlete and may be accompanied by mental and physical distress leading athletes to use substances to cope. Substance use can: slow reaction time, weaken focus & decision-making, hurt recovery & sleep, increase injury risk.

How would you know if you or a peer may be misusing a substance? Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for! #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #Big12BreaksTheStigma #WreckTheStigma

It takes strength to ask for help. If you or a teammate is struggling with substance use, reach out to a coach, trainer, or sport psychologist. You are not alone. Talking about it is the first step. You got this. #BigXIIMentalHealth

Follow along with us today as we talk about the importance of sleep for student-athletes! 🏃‍♀️💤 #Big12BreaksTheStigma #WreckTheStigma #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #TTUSportPsych

Are student-athletes getting enough sleep? The data says no 📉 Average of 6.3 hours per night 61% report fatigue 3+ days/week 1 in 5 struggle to sleep regularly #Big12BreaksTheStigma #WreckTheStigma #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #TTUSportPsych

Why aren't student-athletes getting enough sleep? 🤔 The barriers: Packed practice schedules Academic deadlines & studying Time management struggles Social commitments Work responsibilities When juggling this much, sleep gets sacrificed first. #Big12BreaksTheStigma

Why does sleep matter for student-athletes? Everything you care about—performance, health, grades, and mental well-being—depends on it. See what happens when sleep gets pushed aside 👇 #Big12BreaksTheStigma #WreckTheStigma #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #TTUSportPsych

Want better sleep as a student-athlete? Start here 💤 Sleep tips that work: Better sleep = better recovery = better performance 📈 #Big12BreaksTheStigma #WreckTheStigma #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #TTUSportPsych

Myth-busting: "I'll catch up on sleep this weekend" 🚫 Sleep debt is real—you can't fully recover lost sleep. What actually works: Consistency over "catch-up" Quality = quantity Naps help but don't replace nighttime sleep Your body craves routine #Big12BreaksTheStigma