Managing the Mental Health of Student Athletes
Get enough rest at night. For many student athletes, they often have busy schedules which may interfere with their ability to go to bed at reasonable times and get consistent and well-rested sleep. It is important to prioritize sleep. Try going to bed at the same time each night and try to rise at the same time each day to maximize the benefits of sleep.
Eat three full meals a day. Student athletes tend to skip meals due to nonstop schedules. It is essential to nourish your mind and body to maintain the energy that is necessary to balance responsibilities and expectations. Not only will eating offer you additional energy, but it can also often give you an opportunity to relax and socialize.
Practice mindfulness. Take time out of your day to engage in practices of mindfulness. This can look like informal activities, such as taking a few moments to focus on your breathing or walking in between classes or practice and noticing what is around you. This can also include more formal activities, such as guided meditation or yoga classes.
Engage in positive self-talk. Student athletes can hold very high standards of themselves and become very hard on themselves when those high standards are not met. When this happens, it can be devasting and overwhelming. Be kind to yourself and understand it is okay to have limitations. Try to change your focus from perfection to improvement.
Seek support from friends, teachers, or coaches. The stressors associated with being a student athlete are common and normal and many people will understand the struggles you have. If you are feeling like you have lost control of things or that you are unsure how to balance all of these things, reach out for support from someone close to you.
For more information, please visit these resources:
Chen, S., Snyder, S., & Magner, M. (2010). The effects of sport participation on student-athletes’ and non-athlete students’ social life and identity. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 3, 176-193.
Cuter, B. A., & Dwyer, B. (2020). Student-athlete perceptions of stress, support, and seeking mental health services. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 13, 203-226.
Gayles, J. G., & Baker, A. R. (2015). Opportunities and challenges for first-year student-athletes transitioning from high school to college. Special Issue: Student Leadership Development Through Recreation and Athletics, 147, 43-51. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.20142
Johnson, G. (2022). NCAA student-athlete well-being study. National Collegiate Athletic Association. https://www.ncaa.org/news/2022/5/24/media-center-mental-health-issues-remain-on-minds-of-student-athletes.aspx-
Yang, J., Peek-Asa, C., Corlette, J., Cheng, G., Foster, D., & Albright, J. (2007). Prevalence of and risk factors associated with symptoms of depression in competitive collegiate student athletes. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 17(6), 481-487. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSM.0B013e31815aed6b

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