The Importance of Mental Health for Student Athletes
Have you ever heard the saying, “A big portion of sports is mental”?
That might seem like an overused phrase, but unfortunately, you can’t outshoot your anxiety, hit enough baseballs to get rid of your depression, or run enough races to change your self-esteem. All of these mental health struggles take time, patience, and effort to improve.
Mental health plays a major role in the development of a great athlete.
From the pressure of winning a championship to a fight with a friend before a match, all of it can impact an athlete’s performance. Athletes may get into the habit of pushing away insecurities, only for them to show up during competition.
The importance of mental health for athletes is at an all-time high due to constant comparison on social media, NIL deals and contracts, and the increasing pressure on high school athletes to advance to the collegiate level.
Before we talk about how we can strengthen the mental health of athletes, let’s first discuss why these conversations are crucial for young athletes.
Certain sport-related factors that may impact an athlete’s mental health include:
The time and demands of traveling for competitions, tournaments, or games
High-pressure situations that can lead to fear of failure, low self-esteem, pressure to meet expectations, and fear of letting others down
Balancing multiple responsibilities such as school, relationships, friendships, and careers
Losing a sense of self by tying identity or self-worth too closely to a sport
Developing negative coping skills such as undereating, restrictive eating patterns, or overexercising
Decreased motivation and burnout
Sports come with a great deal of pressure, but there are also significant benefits to participating in organized athletics. Young athletes build teamwork skills, are surrounded by like-minded peers, and engage in physical activity.
However, it can be challenging to balance mental health while being part of a team.
Noticing a decline in a student-athlete’s mental health is crucial for parents and coaches, but the signs can be difficult to recognize. Athletes are often used to masking their insecurities or struggles and are taught to push through discomfort.
If you know a student-athlete who may be struggling, some signs to look out for include:
Changes in routine, such as sleep schedule or eating habits
Isolating themselves from peers or their support network
Negative self-talk about performance
Increased irritability or aggressive behavior
Lack of motivation for activities, practices, or games
Some ways to help combat these challenges include:
Avoiding unrealistic expectations and setting healthy boundaries with athletics
Checking in with athletes after practices or games
Talking openly about emotions and mental health to normalize these struggles
Encouraging and fostering team connection so athletes can lean on their teammates
Athletic performance requires effort both on and off the field. Athletes should regularly check in with their mental health to set themselves up for success before every game or match.
Some tools athletes can use to prepare include:
Visualization techniques: Close your eyes and picture yourself hitting that home run, scoring the winning goal, or making the catch. Focus on vivid details and the sensations associated with success. The more you mentally prepare, the more confident you’ll feel when the moment arrives.
Positive self-talk: What you say to yourself matters. During performance, your brain creates a constant stream of thoughts that shape your internal narrative. It’s important to make that narrative supportive and constructive. Identify your inner critic and actively challenge it with positive self-talk.
Mindfulness: It’s normal to feel anxious or disconnected in high-pressure situations, such as important games or matches. Athletes need tools to regulate their emotions. Simple techniques like body scans or box breathing can help ground you and improve focus before and during performance.
Your brain is a muscle, and athletes need to train it just like their bodies. If you know a student-athlete who is struggling with their mental health, encourage them to click on this link to become a client: https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/intake
