Tulsa author tackles mental health in sports with new student-athlete guide

A Tulsa-based mental health advocate and former counselor is releasing a new book designed to help student-athletes navigate the growing pressures of competition, academics and identity.

Clay Rojas, M.A. in Counseling Psychology and CEO of Total Athlete Mental Health, is debuting "The Student-Athlete Mental Health Field Guide" during a community event on April 25 at WOMPA.

A Toolkit for Athletes and Their Support Systems

Rojas’ book offers quick, easy-to-use mental health strategies for athletes facing anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation challenges. The compact guide is designed for use before games, during travel, or in overwhelming moments.

But it’s not just for students. The guide also serves as a resource for parents, coaches, and school staff.

It includes tools for recognizing warning signs, supporting struggling athletes, and building environments where young people feel safe seeking help.

Inspired by Loss, Driven by Purpose

The book was born from tragedy and a deep desire to protect others. In 2017 and 2018, Rojas lost two students to suicide while running mental health programs as a contractor. That loss led him to recognize a troubling pattern among high-achieving students, especially those in athletics, who silently battle mental health issues and substance use.

"Many of them were top-performing in athletics and academics, but the pressure was breaking them,” Rojas said. “I wrote this book with those students in mind."

Celebrating the Release, Starting a Conversation

The book launch and mental health awareness event will take place Friday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. inside “The Inner Tube” at WOMPA, 3306 Charles Page Blvd.

The evening will feature personal stories from student-athletes and former professional players, with an open conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.

"We will let our community know that it's okay to talk about suicide and other mental health struggles," Rojas said. "Let’s remove the stigma and shame and get our young people the support they need."

Understanding the Unique Pressures Athletes Face

Student-athletes juggle intense demands, balancing academic performance with athletic excellence, all under the watchful eyes of coaches, families, and peers.

Rojas says that pressure can lead to burnout, anxiety, and isolation, especially when athletes begin to tie their worth to their performance.

“Without proper support, it can seriously impact their mental and emotional well-being,” Rojas said.

A Message of Worth Beyond the Game

At the heart of the book is a powerful reminder: Athletes are more than their stats.

"Our mission is to increase help-seeking behavior in student-athletes when they’re struggling, and to know that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness," Rojas said. "Our message is clear: You are more than your performance. You are a uniquely created human being—God only made one of you. Your worth isn’t based on how well you play, how much you win, or whether you stay in the game at all. You are loved. Period."

Learn More

For more on the book and Total Athlete Mental Health, visit TotalAthleteMentalHealth.com.