Athletes Are People, Too!
1 in 5 teenagers suffers from at least one mental health disorder. Nearly 20% of children under age 17 in the US have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder, and the US teen suicide rate is continuing to rise. Now, it’s common knowledge to an athlete that if you’re having a hard time with your mental health, the best thing you can do is “get out of the house” or “play some sports”. Playing sports and being a part of a team is commonly talked about as a magical activity that will help your brain decompress and relax after a day of school.
However, other statistics say otherwise. According to many resources, 35% of elite athletes struggle with eating disorders, burnout, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Stress, competition, perfectionism, social stigmas, and lifestyle requirements can all contribute to this.
As mentioned by Better Up, Solomon Thomas, a defensive lineman who previously played for the San Fransico 49ers, said, “It’s like you are being judged for everything you do.” These elite athletes are being watched under a microscope every second of their lives: being judged for their every action and constantly being picked apart.
That being said, these are elite athletes- this is the most important thing in their life. Their entire life is dedicated to one sport. Now imagine going through everything stated above while being a student. Having to keep up with schoolwork, social lives, and a sport can be extremely challenging and detrimental to mental health.
Both elite athletes as well as student-athletes are rewarded for toughness, being perfect, and being competitive. It’s often looked down upon if one is “taking it easy” or asking for help. Studies show collegiate athletes tend to not seek help for their physical and mental health problems while young adults are more open to it.
There are several signs you can look for when examining whether or not an athlete has a mental health issue or multiple mental health issues:
Avoiding social situations
Unusually quiet/withdrawn
Irritability, frustration, hopelessness, or having a “bad attitude”
Decreased energy and motivation
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Keep in mind there are many reasons why athletes may be against looking for help for their mental health issues.
One might be worried to lose a job, scholarship, or position on a team. Often, athletes have been taught to push through any pain they’re experiencing to reach their goal- this goes for physical pain as well as mental pain.
They might also be scared to fail or disappoint others; they may feel guilty, start blaming themselves, or be worried to let their team down.
There’s also a lack of awareness regarding mental health issues in athletes- parents, coaches, teammates, as well as the athlete themselves may not know the signs or aren’t looking for signs that would show the mental health issue.
Athletes, coaches, and parents may not want to acknowledge the problem. For example, a coach may not want to lose a top performer or don’t want to be blamed for the issue, typically remaining silent about any issues.
Now, there are also some suggested tips to manage one’s mental health, however, it goes without saying if (or if it’s suspected) an athlete is struggling with a serious mental health condition, it’s imperative they seek professional help. That being said, there are a few tips an athlete can follow:
Talk to someone you trust
Boost your social circle - Find friends/teammates who are positive influences & be your support system!
Get more sleep
Eat well - Maintain a balanced/nutritious diet
Inner reflection - What’s the source of your stress? Is it external pressures (ex. coach/fans) or an internal battle?
Invest time in self-care - Studies show when you invest time in yourself and do things you love, you can relieve stress
All in all, mental health among student-athletes and elite athletes needs to be freely talked about, teaching younger athletes that “it’s okay to not be okay”. Follow along beside this new initiative for more information and thoughts.
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