COLLEGE PARK, Md. – University of Maryland head football Coach Michael Locksley held a Mental Health Symposium at Jones-Hill House on May 11 during Mental Health Awareness Month.

The open event saw attendees from members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Maryland football staff and many more.
Guest speakers included University of Maryland Head Team Physician & Assistant Director in the University Health Center Dr. Yvette Rooks, University of Maryland Director of Sports Psychology Dr. Kristi Hall, Psy.D., University of Maryland Athletic Mental Health Counselor Chris Williams, LCSW-C, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist and Director of Healthy Foundations Dr. David Driver, Lead Campus Pastor of Zion Greenbelt Larry Paige and Certified Breath Coach and Flow Facilitator Soul Cole.

"According to data from the NCAA Well-being studies, rates of mental exhaustion, anxiety and depression have seen little change since the fall 2020 and remain 1.5 to two times higher than identified before the COVID-19 pandemic," said Hall. "Additionally, death by suicide is now the second leading cause of death among NCAA student athletes. Coach Mike Locksley, along with Maryland Athletics and the Sport Psychology/Sport Medicine Department support and encourage Mental Health Awareness. It is important to educate our student-athletes and the community on mental illnesses and work to destigmatize mental health at all times."

Topics covered included How Anxiety is Diagnosed, Psychiatric Medication Management for Anxiety, Somatic and Physical Symptoms of Anxiety, Intersectionality of Faith and Mental Illnesses and Healing Practices with Sound Bath Meditation.