Mental Health in Athletes

According to the NCAA, over 30% of student-athletes report feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, yet only 10% of these athletes end up seeking professional help. This week is international mental health week, yet it feels like mental health still isn’t being taken seriously. “I’m in the starting line up but I have no confidence and the moment I make a mistake it feels like my whole world collapses" is something that I have found not only myself saying, but also my friends and teammates on a daily basis. Being a student athlete is incredibly hard, and so often overlooked, leading to immense pressure and anxiety, especially when it feels like no one really understands you. Academic pressure, athletic expectations and lack of mental health resources severely impacts a student athlete’s mental health.

As student athletes, we have to learn how to balance academics, athletics, a social life and then everything else that comes after those important aspects. Assignments begin to pile up, stress builds up and you begin to perform badly in the one thing you’re supposed to excel at and it becomes too much. It’s something that isn’t talked about enough and there aren’t many people that fully understand what athletes go through and there are limited resources to support these athletes. Everyday is a new battle and it becomes so much harder when you begin to struggle with confidence and you underperform all the time which causes even greater setbacks. Student-athletes face something that’s called a “dual burden” this means that they feel the need to excel both in the classroom and on the field. This causes anxiety due to the importance of time management, whether that be waking up earlier to do homework before morning practice or staying up to do some late-night studying. Many student-athletes report sleeping fewer than 6 hours a night during their competitive season due to academic and athletic demands. An athlete’s biggest fear is failure and not being able to perform to their full potential.

Barriers to seeking help also have a relationship with an athlete's mental health. Showing emotion is often stigmatized in athletic culture and athletes are often taught to be “mentally tough.” They often internalize the idea that mental health struggles show weakness which creates a bigger gap between athletes and their support system. Simone Biles, arguably the world’s best gymnast, withdrew from several Olympic events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. She withdrew from these events due to mental health concerns. She stated the importance of putting mental health first. “I say put mental health first … because if you don't, then you’re not going to enjoy your sport and you’re not going to succeed as much as you want” (US Weekly). By saying this, she made it clear that everyone has mental health struggles and that putting it first is not quitting, rather being necessary to continue safely.

US Weekly, August 2, 2024

Chronic stress can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, or even eating disorders. It all works like a chain reaction, chronic stress can eventually result in physical injuries. Injuries, in turn, tend to worsen mental health, especially when they threaten scholarships, playing time, or an athlete’s “spot,” whether that’s on the roster or in the starting lineup. Injury-related depression is common, and athletes who can’t play often lose their sense of identity and connection to the team as a whole.

In conclusion, mental health is just as important as physical health. It remains extremely overlooked in student-athletes, and even in athletes in general, all around the world. As a society, it’s crucial that we create a culture that values mental well-being in every aspect of life. Only then can athletes truly thrive.

If you’re an athlete reading this, I want you to remember these seven things:

1. Talk it out before it burns you out.

2. Speaking out is a strength, not a weakness.

3. A tough day doesn’t mean you’re broken, it means you’re human.

4. Your sport is something you do, not who you are.

5. Train your mind like you train your body.

6. Your mind is part of your game, so treat it like part of your training.

7. You are not alone. No matter the setback, pressure, or doubt, you’re never carrying it alone: others have fought, fallen, and risen right alongside you.