Tag: addressing

Neftaly: Addressing Social Determinants Affecting Mental Health in Underserved Athletes

Neftaly (Southern Africa Youth Project) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth across Southern Africa. Established in 2005 by Neftaly Malatjie, Neftaly focuses on reducing youth unemployment and poverty through skills development, education, and economic opportunities. With a strong presence in South Africa, including regional offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, and Diepsloot, Neftaly has impacted thousands of youth by equipping them with skills, providing employment opportunities, and supporting them in becoming agents of change in their communities. ()()

Understanding Social Determinants of Mental Health

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age. These factors significantly influence an individual’s mental health and well-being. In the context of athletes, especially those from underserved communities, SDOH can include:PMC+1resources.amwell.com+1

• Socioeconomic Status: Limited financial resources can lead to stress, inadequate healthcare, and poor living conditions. Studies have shown that individuals with lower socioeconomic status are at a higher risk for mental health disorders. WikipediaWikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
• Access to Healthcare: Inadequate access to mental health services can prevent athletes from receiving necessary support. This lack of access is often more pronounced in rural and underserved areas. resources.amwell.com
• Discrimination and Stigma: Experiences of discrimination, whether racial, gender-based, or socioeconomic, can lead to increased levels of psychological distress. For instance, athletes racialized as Black have been found to experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to their white peers. PubMed
• Housing Instability: Unstable living conditions can contribute to anxiety and depression, and may hinder access to consistent mental health care. Youth facing housing instability are more likely to experience mental health issues and are less likely to receive mental health services. arXiv

Neftaly’s Initiatives to Address SDOH in Athletes

Neftaly is committed to addressing the social determinants that affect the mental health of underserved athletes through various initiatives:

• Community-Based Mental Health Programs: Implementing programs that provide mental health education and support within local communities, making services more accessible to athletes from underserved backgrounds.
• Partnerships with Healthcare Providers: Collaborating with mental health professionals and organizations to offer counseling and support services tailored to the needs of athletes.
• Advocacy for Policy Change: Engaging in advocacy efforts to influence policies that address the social determinants of health, aiming to create systemic changes that benefit underserved populations.
• Educational Workshops and Training: Providing training for coaches, parents, and community leaders on recognizing and addressing the social factors that impact athletes’ mental health.

Real-Life Examples of Addressing SDOH in Athlete Mental Health

Several initiatives have successfully addressed the social determinants affecting athlete mental health:Verywell Mind

• BJ Williams and CIBV Mobile: BJ Williams founded CIBV Mobile, a service that brings mental health professionals to underserved communities in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This initiative aims to make mental health care as accessible as everyday activities, helping to destigmatize mental health discussions. Verywell Mind+1SELF+1
• Naomi Girma and “Create the Space” Retreat: In honor of her late friend and teammate, Katie Meyer, Naomi Girma co-led the “Create the Space” retreat with Common Goal. This initiative focuses on fostering a culture of vulnerability and community among athletes, emphasizing the importance of mental health support, especially in marginalized communities. The Guardian+1SELF+1

Collaborations and Best Practices

Neftaly draws inspiration from established best practices in the field of sports psychology and mental health:

• Athletes for Hope: This organization educates professional athletes about philanthropy and connects them with charitable causes, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support. Wikipedia
• Social Prescribing: A holistic approach to healthcare where patients are referred to non-clinical services to address social factors affecting health. This approach includes activities like exercise groups and community projects, aiming to improve overall well-being. WIRED