BYU Football Donned Helmet Decal In Support Of Mental Illness Awareness Week

PROVO, Utah – During BYU football’s 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech, the Cougars were showing their support for Mental Illness Awareness Week.

BYU had a lime green ribbon decal on their helmets to highlight their support. Lime green is the official ribbon showing solidarity for those struggling with mental health and illness.

Thank you @BYUfootball for joining @HilinskisHope and #3Day, kicking off #CFBMentalHealthWeek to ensure we all know #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealth @BYUCougars @BYU pic.twitter.com/1vDnIkOHr2

— DavidBSmith (@mobilizer) October 3, 2020

The event centers around “3Day,” a college football event founded by non-profit Hilinski’s Hope Foundation. Named after the late Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski who tragically took his life in January 2018. Hilinski’s Hope is designed to promote awareness and education of mental health for student-athletes.

What is 3Day?

This is the inaugural “3Day” event in college football. A total of 16 college football teams are participating this season. Here’s an explanation of “3Day” from the Hilinski’s Hope website.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4-10, culminating in World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2020.

Beginning on October 3 and ending on October 10 – both days with college football games – Hilinski’s Hope Foundation (H3H) will curate a collective week of action focused on eliminating stigma and increasing mental health resources on universities and colleges.

H3H helps colleges and universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student-athletes. H3H does this by sharing Tyler’s story, connecting students with mental health resources, and assisting universities to institutionalize best practices.

Current & Former BYU players looking to break the stigma around mental health

The Cougars have current and former players who have opened up about mental health. Defensive back Chaz Ah You opened up recently to Maven’s “Coug Daily” about his mental health battles. Former BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum (class of 2018) has been a vocal advocate for bringing awareness to mental health. In 2017, Mangum opened up about his battles with anxiety and depression. Mangum continues to use his platform to “break the stigma” around mental health.

It's only EIGHT days from #3Day! 16 schools have joined the inaugural College Football Mental Health Awareness Week. We’re honored to see the outpour of support these schools have for their student athletes. We’re looking forward to an event-filled week! #MentalHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/cTbLIYUxv4

— Hilinski’s Hope (@HilinskisHope) September 25, 2020

BYU will continue to wear the lime green ribbon decal to support Mental Illness Awareness next week in their next game against UTSA.

If you or someone you know is struggling or needs support, it is always available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-8255

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m., KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.