Seattle Kraken: Hockey Talks— Your Mental Health Matters
The Seattle Kraken joined the NHL’s initiative to end the unhealthy stigma surrounding mental health.
Starting in 2013, the NHL adopted a league-wide initiative to raise awareness and end the stigma around mental health. Every January, Hockey Talks puts mental health in the spotlight. Their mission is to remind us that we are not alone in our journey.
Many teams have resources on their websites dedicated to this cause. The Seattle Kraken are one of those teams. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that their fans have every resource needed. They also drive home the importance of prioritizing and talking about mental health.
“Our goal with Hockey Talks is to eliminate the stigma around mental health and create an environment where people talk about it just like any hockey injury or illness. We want to encourage people to feel comfortable to ask for help by shining a light on this important subject that impacts so many people. Use #HockeyTalks to help us end the stigma around mental health.” -Seattle Kraken
Seattle has created a very user-friendly page on their official NHL site. On it fans easy access to mental health programs and resources. The resource page is tailored specifically to the people of Seattle. However, it also has resources that everyone can utilize. Creating this virtual resource center opens the door for people who may be afraid to ask for help or those who don’t know where to start looking.
Seattle Based Mental Health Resources
Fans have access to Emergency Assistance programs, such as several national helplines. They offer resources that allow fans to find care for themself and loved ones who need or are seeking help. There is a section that describes the difference between mental healthcare providers. This is important so that fans can determine what kind of help would best suit them and their situation.
The Non-Emergency Resource tab offers access to different support groups and helplines that are local to the area. These resources help connect people to the support they need. There are several different NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) groups in the area, BIPOC resources, as well as a mental health referral and an information helpline.
Several of the players have created videos that open up dialogue and detail their own mental health journey and experiences. This humanizes the players we have idolized. A healthy reminder that mental health affects people from all backgrounds and in all stages of life.
The hockey community does a great job in trying to end the stigma surrounding mental health. Despite being new to the league, the Seattle Kraken have taken great steps in normalizing mental health, the struggles we face along our mental health journey, and looking for the help we need.
The league, however, still has a lot of work left to do in ending the stigma. It is an ongoing project that constantly needs to be cultivated. Conversations about mental health should never end.
Additional Mental Health Resources
If you are not local to the Seattle area, there are still several resources available for you to take advantage of. NAMI has over 600 locations across the country. The Trevor Project has taken so many wonderful steps to help the LGBTQ+ community. BEAM is breaking down barriers for people in the Black community. BetterHelp is an outstanding resource for affordable therapy options and a resource I take advantage of myself.
The world has come a long way in such a short time in removing the stigma about mental health. Our stories are influential, our mental health is important, and our lives are beautiful. There is never any shame in asking for help and taking advantage of available resources. Everyone has a mental health journey, and the only way we’re ever going to end the stigma is if we open up the dialogue.
Related: Seattle Kraken at Midseason Part 1
If you, or someone you love, need help, please do not hesitate to use the resources mentioned and linked in the article above. It is vital that you prioritize your mental health, and you don’t have to do it alone.