Mental health is a very important topic in today’s society. Although sports definitely improve mental health in some ways, they can also damage mental health. Mental health is something that needs to be prioritized for student athletes. According to PubMed Central, in the United States, 21.4% of college athletes struggle with mental disorders. The mental side of sports is not adressed enough with young athletes who plan on continuing in athletics. Being mentally unstable can lead to a lack of effort in school and can damage one’s physical health. The competitive nature of sports increases the likelihood of mental disorders like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc. These factors all play a role in the way athletes play or how well they do in school. The feeling of wanting to perform better influences the mind, potentially contributing to the development of mental disorders.
Injuries can also have a big impact on an athlete’s mental health. It is very common for athletes to lose their passion and identity because of injuries. Being on the sidelines can affect one’s mental health because many athletes find joy playing sports. They lose their spark when they can’t play.
On the other hand, sports can positively impact mental health by reducing certain disorders. Playing a sport for the fun of the game can help reduce anxiety and negative thoughts. When playing a sport for fun, most people don’t feel pressured because it isn’t as competitive. Sometimes, sports can be an escape from your thoughts and finding your happy place. These feelings can help with mental disorders and other problems that athletes may experience. When athletes play for fun and play well, it can boost their self esteem. With this added factor, athletes find that playing brings them happiness.
Being a student athlete, I know what it’s like to struggle with mental health. I know that it is very important to keep up with school work and focus on your sport, but being an athlete has a huge impact on your body mentally and physically. As an athlete, I understand the feeling of being under constant pressure. Burning out in a sport is a terrible feeling. I experienced it myself due to the immense amount of pressure I put on myself. I want to succeed, but I know that I must prioritize my mental health. I want to do well in school while being able to compete. I make sure to have fun while playing and I know that my hard work will eventually pay off. I find happiness when I am confident and I have amazing teammates and coaches surrounding me. When I am confident, playing a sport takes me away from the negative thoughts and feelings that may hinder my performance. I help myself mentally by taking time for myself, listening to music, or finding a healthy distraction. In addition, as an athlete who has experienced many injuries, I understand the feeling of losing one’s identity as an athlete. I’ve also been afraid of re-injuring myself, which causes even more stress. When I was injured, it was very frustrating to watch my teammates play the sport I love so much without me. Nobody wants to be on the sidelines, but it takes a lot of physical and mental conditioning to stay in the game.
