Student-athletes lead a unique and demanding lifestyle, balancing both schoolwork and sports, which can be very stressful. Even though they might be great at sports, dealing with all these pressures can be tough on their minds. Recent studies show that student-athletes are more likely to have mental health problems, highlighting the need for greater support and awareness within the athletic community.
A study in the US looked at college athletes in NCAA sports. It found that about 10 to 15% of them have serious mental issues needing counselling. What's even more worrying is that athletes are less likely to seek help than non-athletes. (Moulton, Molstad, & Turner, 1997).
So, let's understand why student-athletes face a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems?
1. Balancing Academic and Sporting Commitments: Student-athletes must navigate the demanding schedules of both academics and sports, often with limited time for relaxation or personal pursuits. The pressure to excel in both realms can create immense stress and anxiety.
2. Vulnerability to Certain Disorders: The age group of student-athletes is particularly susceptible to certain mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, sleep-related problems, and substance-related disorders.
3. Life Transition Challenges: The university represents a period of significant life transition for student-athletes, during which psychological disorders often worsen due to increased stress and pressure.
4. Physical Challenges: Physical challenges inherent in sports, such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and injuries, can exacerbate mental health issues and contribute to overall distress.
5. Identity and Role Conflicts: Many student-athletes heavily identify with their role as athletes, and academic demands may limit their training opportunities, leading to conflicts and identity crises.
6. Additional Stressors: The risk of serious injury, fear of being cut from the team, or experiencing conflict with teammates or coaches adds further layers of stress and anxiety to the student-athlete experience.
In addressing these challenges, coaches and support staff play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of athletes. To effectively assist athletes in reaching their full potential in both sports and academics, coaches and sports staff can help in the following ways:
1. Foster Strong Relationships with Athletes:
Building trust and rapport with student-athletes is essential for creating a supportive environment conducive to open communication about mental health. Coaches and sports staff should prioritize developing meaningful connections with athletes, taking the time to listen to their concerns and offering empathy and understanding. By fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect, coaches can create a safe space where athletes feel comfortable sharing their mental health struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions.
2. Reduce Stigma Surrounding Mental Health:
Coaches and sports staff play a pivotal role in challenging and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health in the athletic community. They can initiate conversations about mental health openly and proactively, emphasizing its importance and normalizing discussions about psychological well-being. By leading by example and demonstrating compassion and acceptance, coaches can help create a culture where seeking help for mental health issues is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
3. Ensure Accessibility of Mental Health Resources:
It is crucial to ensure that student-athletes have easy access to mental health resources from the moment they arrive at university. Coaches and sports staff should provide comprehensive information about available mental health services, including counselling centres, support groups, and crisis hotlines. By equipping athletes with knowledge about where to seek help and how to access support, coaches can empower them to take proactive steps towards addressing their mental health needs.
The sports culture prioritizes traits like "mental toughness," "hiding weaknesses," and "pushing through pain," potentially dissuading student-athletes from seeking assistance from professionals. Mental health might be regarded as less significant than physical health, yet it is equally crucial for achieving peak performance in sports.
About the Author
Serah Menezes holds an MSc in Counselling Psychology and a certification in Sports Psychology. She is a former Tennis player having competed at the National and International level. Additionally she is an internationally certified Tennis Coach too.
Her goal is to utilise her expertise and skills to create a positive influence, nurture holistic development and enhance overall well-being in the sports arena and individual’s personal lives.