Breaking the Stigma: How Dr. Deanna Nobleza is Revolutionizing Mental Health in Professional Baseball

Dr. Deanna Nobleza is the first-ever mental health director for the Philadelphia Phillies, tasked with taking care of the players and coaches’ mental well-being. She emphasizes the importance of mental health as 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.

Nobleza 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. She 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.

In her second season, Nobleza has continued to work tirelessly to provide support and resources for players and coaches. She understands that maintaining good mental health is essential for success both on and off the field, especially in a high-pressure environment like professional sports. Nobleza’s work has had a positive impact on many members of the team, helping them manage stress, improve their focus, and ultimately perform better on the field.