Mental Health Resources: Student Athletes

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Student athletes face a unique college experience, juggling their time between school life, social life, and athletic life. The time constraints and physical demands can become overwhelming, leading to problems with mental health. Staying mentally healthy as well as physically healthy can improve performance both in the classroom and on the field. Recent NCAA studies have indicated that while student athletes are at a greater risk than their non-athlete counter parts to experience mental health problems, they are less likely to seek out professional help. Additionally, an injury can adversely affect the mental mindset of athletes. "Overtraining syndrome" can lead to feelings of depression, with symptoms including a decrease in performance, anxiety, muscle soreness, decreased concentration, fatigue and depression; this syndrome can lead to a significant risk of serious injury.

Signs that Athletes may be Experiencing Mental Health Decline

• Changes in sleep patterns – may be constantly fatigued
• Not eating well
• Mood Swings
• Inexplicable under-performance
• Long stretches of apathy
• Decline in academic performance
• Social Isolation

What Can Athletes do?

• Focus - Student athletes should aim to focus on one goal at a time. They should determine their top priorities and focus on giving each one the time it deserves.
• Identity - Student athletes should construct an identity outside of their chosen sport.
• Time - Students will often go on an elusive search for a “balanced life,” defined by perfectly inventing time in each priority equally, however, this ideal balance is rarely achieved by anyone and instead help must be available in determining margins in the midst of their commitments.

( NCAA, Believe Perform)

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