Almost immediately after Hamlin’s collapse, the NFL Players Association and league turned their attention to the mental health options available to players. The union tweeted: There are several resources available,” with links to counseling options on the NFLPA website.
In a memo to all teams, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said each club will be encouraged by Dr. Nyaka Neelumpty, the league’s vice president of wellness and clinical services, to make mental health and support resources available to players and staff. He said he received information about
Lazzara, a former Marine Corps sniper, said this time of year, some are looking to reunite socially after losing loved ones on vacation and being isolated with COVID-19. Instead of suppressing your emotions, Lazzara recommended first “talking” to your family, your doctor, and a mental health professional about your problem.
“Don’t hide it,” Lazzara said, adding that the events on the field may remind people that their families are undergoing similar treatment. Talk about it.Now we have to communicate after COVID.This strange world has been turned upside down.”
He said there’s a big difference between watching a horror movie that leads to nightmares and the mental stress after watching what happened on the football field Monday night.
“This is true,” he said.
Lazzara said he was grateful that the match was not restarted. It was clear from the expressions on their faces, their tears, their handshakes and their prayers, that they were not ready to continue competing.
Ironically, when a player sustains an injury, it can be put on the injured list, but when a player suffers from mental illness, the same precautions are not taken. “Stress can show up later in life,” he said, if the problem isn’t addressed.
