Student-Athletes and Mental Health


student-athlete

Student-Athletes and Mental Health Problems

Most of us have played a sport at some time or another throughout our life. They get us active, help us learn discipline, help us build friendships, and we fall in love with the game. This can be said especially for student-athletes, who are in one way or another all fighting for a chance to get a scholarship. But this road isn’t easy, with a lot of athletes going through an emotional roller coaster. This can be a strain on someone’s mental health and in some cases can cause mental illness. So how do we detect these things in our beloved student-athletes to avoid damage to their mental health?

Athlete Stereotypes

Athletes have often been thought of as tough, and any sign of weakness is the opposite of what they want to show. This can cause problems with athletes being unable to share the difficulties they are going through, leaving them with a feeling of loneliness and abandonment. They often feel like they can’t turn to anybody with their problems. Therefore, student-athletes also might not seek out help because they fear it might their involvement in sports. As stress, as well as the pressures of competing daily, begin to build up, they are likely to develop depression and anxiety.

The Emergence of Mental Health Issues

There are many reasons that can cause the emergence of these mental health issues. For one, when competing, athletes occasionally mess up, and they can have two choices: rise up or let it affect them. Some mistakes are harder to shake off, especially the big ones. In some cases, the coaches make the failure even worse. Oftentimes, coaches stress the importance of winning above all else. So when an athlete misses a game-winning point, it can seem devastating. Letting down teammates is also a large weight that athletes carry. In addition to the mental stress of the game, there are also physical stresses. A season-ending or career-ending injury really has a huge impact on players. These reasons alone build up frustration, sadness, confusion, mood changes, withdrawals, and more. Your biggest critic is yourself and that goes for athletes as well. With all of these variables happening around them, it’s very common for mental health issues to form.

If you are an athlete, it’s okay to open up about your problems. In the words of Mardy Fish, a professional tennis player, “To show weakness, we’re told, in so many words, is to deserve shame. But I am here to show weakness. And I am not ashamed.”

The Role of Social Media in Student-Athlete Mental Health

In today’s digital age, social media has become a double-edged sword for student-athletes. On one hand, it provides a platform for recognition, allowing athletes to showcase their talents and gain support from fans, family, and friends. On the other hand, it exposes them to criticism, unrealistic expectations, and immense pressure to maintain a perfect image. A single bad performance can result in harsh comments, online bullying, and public scrutiny that can deeply affect an athlete’s confidence and self-worth.

The constant comparison to others on social media can also lead to feelings of inadequacy. Seeing peers excel while facing personal struggles may cause student-athletes to question their own abilities and self-worth. The pressure to always appear strong and successful can prevent them from expressing their true emotions, leading to internalized stress and anxiety.

To combat these negative effects, it’s essential for athletes to practice mindful social media use. Setting boundaries, limiting exposure to negative content, and seeking support from trusted individuals can make a difference. Schools and athletic programs should also prioritize educating athletes on mental health awareness and providing resources for those struggling.

Ultimately, while social media can be a valuable tool, it should never define an athlete’s worth. Mental health must always come first, and seeking help should be seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

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This article was updated on 2/11/2025.

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