Day by Day | SC Featured

Summary

The video explores Ryan Day's journey from personal tragedy to advocacy for mental health awareness in sports. After his father's suicide, Day channeled his pain into coaching and success, but a crisis in youth suicides led him to confront his past. He publicly addressed his father's struggle, launching the Christina and Ryan Day Fund for mental wellness. The Ohio State football program implemented mental health resources, showcasing Day's commitment to breaking the stigma. Players like Harry Miller shared their battles with mental health, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and support in fostering a culture of openness and healing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ryan Day uses tennis as a way to manage stress and maintain mental health.
• 😀 Sports provided Ryan Day an outlet for his emotions, especially after his father's suicide.
• 😀 Growing up without his father left Ryan with feelings of anger and a 'chip on his shoulder.'
• 😀 The stigma surrounding mental health can lead to misunderstandings and feelings of isolation.
• 😀 A pivotal moment for Ryan came during a recruiting trip, highlighting the urgent need to address mental health issues.
• 😀 In 2019, Ryan publicly spoke about his father's suicide, aiming to destigmatize mental health discussions.
• 😀 The Day family established a fund to support pediatric and adolescent mental wellness.
• 😀 Ohio State implemented a mental health program that included full-time mental health professionals.
• 😀 Harry Miller, a former player, shared his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the importance of support.
• 😀 Coach Day's vulnerability and openness about his past helped create a supportive environment for his players.

Q & A

Why does Ryan Day prefer tennis over traditional workouts?

Ryan Day prefers tennis because it allows him to release stress and emotions more effectively than a treadmill. It provides an outlet for him to express himself through physical activity.

How did Ryan Day's childhood experiences influence his coaching style?

Ryan Day's childhood experiences, particularly dealing with the loss of his father, instilled a drive to be mentally tough. This background shaped his approach to coaching and communication.

What significant event prompted Ryan Day to speak publicly about his father's suicide?

During a recruiting trip in 2018, Day learned about multiple suicides at a high school, which made him realize the urgency of addressing mental health issues and led him to publicly share his father's story.

What initiatives did Ryan Day start to address mental health?

Ryan and his wife launched the Christina and Ryan Day Fund for pediatric and adolescent mental wellness to provide resources and help destigmatize mental health issues.

How did Ohio State's athletic department respond to Ryan Day's focus on mental health?

Ohio State's athletic department increased mental health resources by replacing part-time staff with full-time mental health professionals, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness in sports.

What struggles did Harry Miller face regarding his mental health?

Harry Miller struggled with depression and anxiety from a young age, experiencing pervasive suicidal thoughts and self-harm before eventually seeking help.

How did Ryan Day respond when Harry Miller confided in him about his struggles?

Ryan Day listened to Miller's concerns, shared his own experiences, and ensured Miller received the necessary professional support to address his mental health issues.

What impact did Ryan Day's openness about his father's suicide have on his team?

Day's openness fostered an environment of vulnerability and support, encouraging team members to seek help and discuss their mental health without stigma.

What message does the transcript convey about the importance of mental health in sports?

The transcript emphasizes that mental health is crucial in sports, advocating for open discussions and the implementation of supportive resources to help athletes cope with their struggles.

In what ways did Harry Miller contribute to the conversation about mental health after his experience?

After his experience, Harry Miller became an advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his story to help others feel comfortable discussing their own challenges.