Managing the Mental Health of Student Athletes

If you are a student athlete, then you could be experiencing levels of stress that are impacting your wellbeing and functioning in a variety of areas. You may find it challenging to balance all of your academic responsibilities with your athletic expectations. In addition to these, you may also struggle to prioritize family time, engage in a social life, or find employment. If you struggle with these, then you are not alone: student athletes endorse as many mental health concerns as nonathletes, and in some instances, they endorse more. The most common mental health concerns indicated by student athletes include increased mental exhaustion, higher levels of academic and athletic stress, and anxiety and depressive symptoms, all of which have grown since the pre-pandemic era. These concerns may originate from a variety of factors, but the most common causes are related to high personal and professional standards, engagement in competition, and social comparisons within and across athletic teams and divisions.

What Can I Do To Resolve Stress?

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.

How Do I Find Additional Support?

According to a recent study conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), most student athletes indicate knowing where to access mental health resources, but do not feel comfortable seeking support from a mental health clinician. It is also common for student athletes to seek support from individuals not associated with their team, such as coaches and trainers due to fear of judgment or rejection. Psychotherapy is a great alternative or addition to the above mentioned strategies. A psychotherapist can support you in understanding the cause of your stressors, finding more helpful ways to respond to your stress, and learning how to balance all of your responsibilities and expectations without putting too much pressure on yourself. At Restorative Psychological Services, we see many student athletes, at both the high school and college level. We are here to support you in managing the stress associated with attending school and balancing your activities. We focus on building coping skills that focus on mental wellbeing while also encouraging you to participate in activities that make you feel balanced and fulfilled.

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