[News] Patrick Laine has entered the NHL's Player Assistance Program

[jg13]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1751674706510422321

[D as in David]

Hope he gets the help there that he needs.

[btimbit]

Best of luck to him

[Locke]

Wow. Is it just me or this happening a lot more frequently lately?

The NHL Assistance Program workers are probably being over-run.

What is going on?

Great that its there and good luck to Laine, but maybe the NHL needs to start looking at some under-lying root causes?

[Ped]

Is it happening more that they're struggling, or is it happening more that players are more comfortable asking for help when they need it? It's kind of like the concussion thing maybe - did we get more concussions or more accurate diagnoses?

[Press Level]

Originally Posted by Locke

Wow. Is it just me or this happening a lot more frequently lately?

The NHL Assistance Program workers are probably being over-run.

What is going on?

Great that its there and good luck to Laine, but maybe the NHL needs to start looking at some under-lying root causes?

The more people who enter the program, the less stigma that is attached to it. Good for Laine; best wishes for his future.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Locke

Wow. Is it just me or this happening a lot more frequently lately?

The NHL Assistance Program workers are probably being over-run.

What is going on?

Great that its there and good luck to Laine, but maybe the NHL needs to start looking at some under-lying root causes?

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert, but often when something like this appears to be more prevalent it's likely more an indictment on what hasn't been done in the past rather than some emerging trend.

I would guess that if the stigma about seeking and receiving this kind of help, coupled with accessible avenues to assistance, had been there in the past we would have had more players enter these programs.

[midniteowl]

I'm glad that more and more players feel that they can ask for help when they need it instead of just tough it out.

[ResAlien]

Cool wrong thread. Uhh good luck Patrick.

[Southside403]

Ever since his father past away its really hit hard
And was his mentor

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Locke

Wow. Is it just me or this happening a lot more frequently lately?

The NHL Assistance Program workers are probably being over-run.

What is going on?

Great that its there and good luck to Laine, but maybe the NHL needs to start looking at some under-lying root causes?

There's a lot more awareness about mental health and substance abuse issues than there ever was before. That's obviously a good thing.

IMO it's likely also a function of changes in views on masculinity and men feeling more comfortable asking for help. We're seeing changes in views towards substance abuse too, with people feeling more comfortable looking for help, without the fear of losing their jobs for doing so.

[memphusk]

Good for him. Always good to see people better themselves.

[Erick Estrada]

It's a positive sign that we are seeing more and more players get help. It must have been pretty terrible back in the day struggling with off ice issues where something like that was likely viewed as weakness or being soft.

[iggyloob12]

Laine references taking time to care for his mental health.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1751766622333817190

[Scroopy Noopers]

This guy has been dogged on ever since he did his first TSN interview in bed. Then it was rumours of video game addictions. Just seems like a highly talented kid who is pretty relaxed. I imagine he’s faced a ton of criticism to his face over his career.

[PuckSlap]

I think the the pandemic lead to more serious mental health struggles, and substance abuse, that people had thought.

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[Goriders]

They are humans. All humans have issues. I doubt there are more issues than in the past. It’s probably just more socially acceptable to seek help. Guessing that’s why you are seeing more players utilizing the assistance program

It must be a pretty stressful existence if you’re having a down year. Tons of pressure

[Buff]

I figured something was bothering Laine, whether it be mental health, substance abuse he seemed too talented to have his production and effectiveness fall of the way it has. I'm glad he's getting help. I remember after his 2nd year many people were speculating that he could someday challenge to be one of the greatest goal scorers of all time.

[AFireInside]

Originally Posted by PuckSlap

I think the the pandemic lead to more serious mental health struggles, and substance abuse, that people had thought.

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It's always been this way there's less stigma attached to getting help. The pandemic isn't the issue. There have always been massive issues with drugs, alcohol and mental health.

Think of all the younger players/ex players who have died over the years.

We're seeing it more because it's more accessible and these younger guys grew up being told there's no shame in getting help.

[Matty81]

The level of intensity for NHL players is off the charts different between 80s and now looking at the training, media and social media/fan scrutiny. And from where I am sitting this guy in particular has faced so much scrutiny and pressure everywhere he's been.