Breaking the Stigma: How Dr. Deanna Nobleza is Prioritizing Mental Health for the Philadelphia Phillies

Dr. Deanna Nobleza, the first-ever mental health director for the Philadelphia Phillies, is dedicated to ensuring that the players and coaches are taking care of their mental well-being. She emphasizes the importance of mental health as an essential part of overall health, especially in a demanding lifestyle like professional baseball with its rigorous travel schedule and time away from families.

Despite some initial concerns about the stigma of mental health, Nobleza has found that there is a willingness among the team to embrace mental health initiatives and seek help when needed. In her second season, she has started sessions with players and coaches to address the pressures of playing in Philly and other mental health issues that may arise. She hopes that her work will pave the way for other women to enter similar roles in professional sports.

Nobleza encourages athletes to seek help when needed and sees asking for help as a brave and beneficial step towards improving performance on and off the field. She believes that taking care of one’s mental well-being is crucial for overall success, both personally and professionally. By providing resources and support to those in need, Nobleza hopes to create a culture of openness around mental health within the Philadelphia Phillies organization.