As youth sports become increasingly competitive, particularly at the high school level, greater attention is being given to the mental health of young athletes. While sports provide physical, emotional and social benefits, the pressure to perform, balance busy schedules and meet high expectations can sometimes take a toll on a student's well-being. Recognizing the signs of stress and supporting young athletes both on and off the field are important to helping them stay healthy and succeed.
Chad E. Ward, DO
“Competitive sports can offer athletes such a great opportunity to compete with each other, grow an appreciation for skill development, navigate performance anxiety, and build camaraderie, along with the chance to develop healthy physical training habits for a lifetime,” says board-certified pediatrician Chad E. Ward, DO, with Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Pediatrics in Brunswick. “However, there can be unintended consequences with the competitiveness of a sport that can trigger mental health issues which can be quite impactful on a young athlete. It’s important for athletes, family members, coaches and teammates to identify mental health symptoms, and be open to discussing these concerns. Professional help may be needed when the time comes.”
Silent Stressors
According to Ward, high school athletes juggle school, family, work and sports, all while managing time demands and the possibility of injuries... Yet, there are also other factors that may go unrecognized, including:
- Preseason nerves specifically associated with the start of a season that can become debilitating
- Issues at home or in their social environment, such as financial strain or relationship concerns
- A singular focus on precision performance that dampens their love of the game
- A lack of basic life skills development because of a sole concentration on competing
- Postseason sadness associated with the withdrawal from a highly stimulating and intense competitive environment
“Student athletes have young developing minds. Many may have insight into a deeper understanding of these life and sport-specific stressors, but the athlete may have not fully developed an effective psychological framework that allows them to handle these aspects of their life,” Ward says. “It is important that the student athlete develop skills that help them deal with the stresses of their sport, but also of life.”
Spot the Signals
Mental health concerns can look different from one student athlete to another, but coaches, parents and teammates should watch for common warning signs, including:
- Being irritable, short or aggressive with others
- A lack of patience
- Difficulty sleeping
- Inability to focus on conversations or tasks
- Unhealthy behaviors like severe diet alterations or restrictions
- Being withdrawn or not showing up to practice
- A decrease in baseline motivation or enthusiasm
“All of this can vary, and any symptoms should be assessed and weighed,” Ward notes. “Families and athletes should be encouraged to consider seeking out professional help from a psychologist if there are signs of depression or anxiety, along with talking to their primary care provider about these symptoms.”
The Support Playbook
In addition to seeking medical help, when necessary, there are a few measures that can be taken to support high school athletes if they find themselves in a precarious emotional state.
“Start with a timeout. Creating a pause in the ongoing competitive momentum can allow an athlete to focus on their well-being. A timeout can vary from minutes to months or longer depending on what is needed,” Ward says. “During this time, the athlete should work on introspection and understand how they are feeling about what they are going through. It can allow the athlete to identify triggers of their stress and provide time to work on ways to communicate the emotions they are experiencing. For example, one target may be that the athlete works better to understand what aspects of their performance and the competition that they have control over versus what they do not have control over.”
Parents and coaches should check in with student athletes throughout the season and afterward to discuss concerns. During the offseason, encourage athletes to spend time outdoors, try other sports, attend camps and participate in school clubs to build friendships and interests beyond their primary sport. At home, maintaining responsibilities and monitoring social media use can also support mental well-being.
Recognizing the mental health needs of high school athletes is essential, as the hardest battles they fight sometimes are not on the field. With understanding and support, they can protect their well-being long after the final whistle blows.
Parents who have concerns about their child's emotional well-being should start by talking with their pediatrician. To find a Southeast Georgia Physician Associates pediatrician, call 1-888-ASK-SGHS (855-275-7447).
