The YouTube series features conversations about mental health with top athletes

(TNND) — A new four-part YouTube series aims to show young people what it’s okay to talk about their mental health.

The Jed Foundation (JED), an organization focused on adolescent and youth mental health and an athlete storytelling brand CONTINUOUSLY teamed up for a series of videos “Invisible Game”.

The first episodefeaturing former NBA player Jason Richardson and his son Jace, a basketball player at Michigan State University, filmed on October 10.

The next episode rapper Percy “Master P” Miller and his son Mercy, a basketball player at the University of Houston.

The the third episodereleased Thursday, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young and former college football player and strength coach Travel Gaines.

The final episode will be released on October 31, and will feature former NBA player Iman Shumpert and gymnast Frédéric Richard, a medalist at the Paris Summer Olympics.

Richard said there is a growing respect for people who are honest about their struggles.

“Overcoming it makes a person strong and impressive,” Richard said.

He said he takes a proactive approach to his mental health, looking for ways to improve his sport as well as become a better person.

Richard said he hopes his openness will inspire others to take care of their own mental well-being.

“We all know that nobody’s life is perfect,” he said. “We know that power does not mean draining it.”

Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, JED’s chief medical officer, said the unscripted YouTube series “presents intergenerational conversations between top athletes about mental health, about their lives, about staying at the top of their game.”

The episodes delve into the personal stories and mental health issues of the participants.

“And it really gives the audience a chance to see that even people who are at this level, at the top of their game, are struggling and need help,” she said.

According to Erickson-Schroth, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 12 and 24 in the United States.

The suicide rate among black youth is increasing faster than among other racial or ethnic groups. Nearly half of black high school students report experiencing racism at school, and teens who experience racial discrimination are more likely to have mental health problems or suicidal thoughts, she said.

“Young black men do face systemic barriers that make them less likely to seek help when they need it,” Erickson-Schroth said. “So it’s designed to reach young black men. Although we know that other groups will also be interested in watching and will gain something from watching.”

Erickson-Schroth said they hope to “normalize the conversation about mental health” and show young people that there are people who care and can help, whether it’s parents, friends, teammates, coaches or mental health professionals .

Those in need of support are encouraged to call or text the suicide and crisis line 988.