Why Are Athletes Suffering in Silence? A Black Therapist Sheds Light

Photo courtesy of Dr. JaQuinda Jackson In the high-stakes world of sports, athletes are often celebrated for their physical prowess, but what happens when the pressures of competition, personal trauma, and the toll of injuries impact their mental health?  BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dr. JaQuinda Jackson, a trauma therapist with a background in community counseling and counseling psychology, who has dedicated her career to addressing these challenges and helping athletes recognize that mental wellness is just as important as physical recovery. Through her specialized approach, Dr. Jackson is working to destigmatize mental health care in sports, paving the way for athletes to achieve true holistic well-being. The Journey into Trauma Therapy Dr. Jackson began her career as a trauma therapist after recognizing a gap in mental health services for people of color, particularly within the educational and sports sectors.  “I’ve been practicing as a trauma therapist for over 11 years. I started as a trauma therapist to meet the needs of people who look like me, working in the trauma sector. In my school, I saw a lot of people were educated, but they didn’t necessarily look like us. That’s what led me to trauma therapy. I initially started with work...