Question
What stressors and triggering events can lead to psychological concerns in student athletes?
Answer
Several stressors and triggering events that can lead to psychological concerns in student athletes.
Times of Transition: Major life changes such as moving from middle school to high school, transitioning from a JV to a varsity team, or moving away to college can predispose student athletes to mental health conditions. Additionally, disruptions in family units, such as divorce or moving between households, are significant stressors.
Pressure to Perform: The constant pressure from various sources, such as coaches, parents, and the community, to perform at high levels can be overwhelming. This pressure is exacerbated when performance does not meet expectations, leading to stress and anxiety.
Struggling Performance and Injuries: Poor performance, chronic or career-ending injuries, and time-loss injuries like ACL tears or concussions can trigger mental health issues. These injuries challenge an athlete’s identity, especially if they heavily associate their identity with their sports participation
Conflicts with Coaches and Teammates: Interpersonal conflicts can be significant stressors, whether with coaches or teammates. Changes in coaching staff or issues with roommates can exacerbate these conflicts.
Loss of Passion for the Sport: Over time, some athletes may lose their passion for their sport, especially if they have been involved from a young age and have experienced success. This loss of passion can be a significant stressor, particularly if their identity is tied to their athletic success.
Overtraining: Long-term training and uncontrollable life variables often lead to overtraining, which puts athletes at risk for physical, mental, and emotional health problems. Balancing physical participation with adequate rest is crucial to prevent overtraining.
Lack of Playing Time and Family Issues: Limited playing time and family-related problems, such as trauma from automobile accidents or violence, can trigger mental health concerns.
End of Playing Career: The anticipation of ending a playing career, whether due to injury, loss of scholarship, or other reasons, can be a major stressor. The lack of control over this decision can add to the anxiety and stress.
Witnessing Injuries or Trauma: Seeing a teammate or themselves get injured, experiencing changes in sleep or school schedules, and other traumatic events like physical or sexual abuse can trigger mental health conditions.
These stressors and triggering events highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of psychological concerns in student athletes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health support systems in athletic programs.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, "Identifying and Recognizing Mental Health Conditions in Student Athletes," presented by John Boudreaux, EdD, PT, LAT, ATC, SCS.
