Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, emphasize mental health awareness to Columbus students with a visit to Art Impact Middle School.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, took a break from game preparations Friday morning to share a message close to their hearts with Columbus middle school students: It’s OK to talk about mental health.

The Days visited Art Impact Middle School, where they spoke about the importance of coping strategies, communication and seeking help. Their work in the community stems from personal experience — Ryan lost his father to suicide as a child, and Nina has shared her own struggles with anxiety.

“There have been so many tragic stories about young people feeling like they can’t get themselves out of a situation. I want you to know there is always a way out as long as you communicate,” Day said during the presentation.

The event was part of a larger partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which works with the Day family to promote mental health awareness. Dr. Ariana Hoet, a pediatric psychologist at the hospital, said hearing that message from a public figure like Day can have a powerful effect.

“They’re going to hear from one of their heroes saying your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” Hoet said. “The impact of that is huge.”

Students said the visit left a strong impression. Sixth-grader Sasha Lawson, a dedicated Buckeyes fan, called it “shocking” and “mind-blowing.”

“Kids our age are going through a lot of things and changes,” Lawson said. “So for them to hear that is probably very powerful, and it is to me too because I’ve gone through a lot, so it helps.”

Along with their talk, the Days handed out resources for students to share with their parents. Nina urged families not to feel shame in seeking help.

“Your child is not the only child feeling these things,” she said. “So don’t be embarrassed and reach out, because I don’t think any parent hesitates to bring their child to a doctor if they have a physical ailment. Parents need to know that they should feel the same way about a mental ailment.”