Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes is a top five coach in college football. In his three years coaching for Ohio State, he has led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff twice including an appearance in the National Championship in 2020. He also led the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win this past year. Hopefully, they can eventually win a championship. Day has football at his forefront but another cause which is important to him is mental health. Recently, Day made a $1 million donation to the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine.
Since arriving at Ohio State, Day has been an advocate for mental health. When Day was eight years old, his father died of suicide. Day and his wife Nina have also had struggles with mental health. The football team also has two full-time psychologists, athletic counselors, and a psychiatrist. Day understands the importance of turning to someone in difficult times and hope their donation will help more Buckeyes find support.
University President Kristina Johnson also thanked the Days for their contribution and hopes it will fight the stigma that discourages people from seeking help. It should show people that even tough football players can also have their own challenges and are no different. It also calls attention to the big number of people who have mental health issues and why so many of them stay silent. More people should feel comfortable to come forward about their issues now more than ever.
Since the pandemic, it is ok for people to not be ok and to seek help. The pandemic has not been easy on anyone and suicide rates went up much higher. Shootings also have increased significantly in the past year. Many of the shooters had a mental health problem and did not seek professional help. Hopefully the stigma will change and more people will seek professional help in the future.