The Power of Connection: Supporting Athletes' Mental Health with Dr. Kent Corso

BioDr. Kent A. Corso is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst. His career in suicidology began over 20 years ago, while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Corso has researched, developed, and evaluated suicide prevention programs across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. In 2016, he developed PROSPER, an evidence-based suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention program. Dr. Corso has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers on suicide and the behavioral sciences is a leading expert in novel scientific methods and digital technologies for analyzing suicide.

In this episode of Sharpening Your Edge, Chuck and Erik sit down with clinical psychologist and suicidologist Dr. Kent Corso to discuss how parents and coaches can better support the mental and emotional development of young athletes. The conversation explores the importance of balancing high expectations with empathy, building strong connections through trust and communication, recognizing signs of struggle even in outwardly successful athletes, and creating environments where young people feel supported while being challenged to grow. Dr. Corso also helps redefine toughness, explaining that true resilience comes not from suppressing emotions, but from self-awareness, emotional support, and the confidence to navigate adversity both on and off the ice.

Takeaways:

In this episode, we explore the pressing issue of mental health in youth sports, emphasizing the necessity for open conversations about emotional well-being among players, coaches, and parents.Dr. Kent Corso highlights the alarming rise of suicide rates among athletes, urging families to recognize signs of mental distress and to foster supportive environments for their children.We discuss the impact of societal expectations on young athletes, particularly the detrimental effects of discouraging emotional expression and vulnerability in male players.The episode underscores the importance of connectedness; maintaining relationships and support systems can significantly reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and improve overall mental health.Parents and coaches are encouraged to actively engage in discussions about mental health and to create safe spaces for youth to express their feelings without fear of judgment.Lastly, we reiterate the value of seeking professional help when needed, as well as the significance of utilizing resources like the 988 crisis hotline for immediate support.

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