Stepping up to help young athletes
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked in youth sports, which can lead to devastating consequences.
During a recent interview with figure skater Gracie Gold, an Olympic bronze medalist and two-time U.S. national champion, the team at NAYS was reminded of the severity of youth mental-health struggles, which some experts are calling an epidemic. Gold spoke about her long-running battles with depression and anxiety, revealing that she was close to committing suicide before seeking help. “The dark days were very dark,” she says.
Equally alarming, a recent study showed that three out of five U.S. youth who died by suicide did not have a prior mental-health diagnosis, suggesting their struggles went unrecognized.
Thus, youth-sports administrators and coaches must be thoroughly educated about mental health as with any other safety issue.
Mounting Pressures
Today’s young athletes are subjected to a unique blend of pressures that many adults never experienced, and these factors can significantly impact mental health:
- Performance Expectations: Athletes often face high expectations from coaches, parents, and themselves. The relentless drive to meet and succeed performance goals can cause anxiety, stress, and burnout.
- Social Comparison: Competing with peers and comparing oneself to others can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Social media plays an outsize role because users tend to curate their best moments, which can cause others to feel less worthy.
- Balancing Act: Juggling academics, sports, and a social life can overwhelm young athletes. The constant pressure to excel in every part of life can result in chronic stress and fatigue.
- Identity Issues: For many young athletes, sports are central to their identity. Injuries, lack of playing time, or setbacks can lower self-esteem and trigger a profound sense of loss.
Spotting Warning Signs
Since many kids struggling with mental-health issues do not receive diagnoses, it's imperative that coaches and leaders in youth-sports programs are proactive in spotting signs of trouble:
- Changes In Behavior: Watch for any significant shifts in behavior, such as withdrawal from friends or a noticeable drop in enthusiasm for sports.
- Emotional Symptoms: Persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, or mood swings can be red flags. If an athlete frequently expresses feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, it's crucial to take these concerns seriously and alert parents.
- Physical Complaints: Unexplained physical complaints like frequent headaches or stomachaches can sometimes be manifestations of mental-health issues.
- Performance Changes: A sudden drop in performance, especially if accompanied by a negative shift in attitude or self-talk, may indicate underlying struggles.
- Overemphasis On Perfection: Athletes who become fixated on perfection and engage in intense self-criticism may struggle with anxiety or other mental-health issues.
Making A Difference
Youth-sports leaders and coaches are well-positioned to make a difference for youth; being proactive is a great starting point. NAYS has spoken to dozens of leading experts. The organization offers free Mental Health and Youth Sports training at nays.org, created in partnership with ESPN. Some of the training’s most important findings are the following:
- Education And Training: Coaches and program leaders should receive training on mental-health awareness to effectively identify problems and prevent tragedies.
- Open Communication: Encourage open discussions about mental health, and stress to kids that asking for help is a sign of strength. Olympic long-distance runner Alexi Pappas, another athlete who has spoken openly about her mental health, told NAYS how important it is to normalize discussions with youth. “I think it’s so key that it starts young,” she says. “So, if we can open up the conversation to recognize that the brain is a body part, and it can get injured just like any other, and it can heal just like any other. And just like any other injury, we can’t feel ashamed of it, and we can seek out help.”
- Promote Balance: Encourage a healthy balance among sports, academics, and leisure time. Help athletes manage their schedules and avoid overcommitment.
- Create A Supportive Culture: Cultivate a culture of support and understanding within a team. Recognize and celebrate efforts, not just outcomes, and create an environment in which athletes feel valued and understood.
- Engage Parents: Involve parents in discussions about mental health and encourage them to support their child's well-being both inside and outside of sports.
Addressing youth athletes’ mental health is not only about preventing tragedies but also fostering a supportive environment that promotes overall well-being and success. By being vigilant, informed, and proactive, coaches and administrators can help identify and support young athletes who may be struggling, ensuring their mental health needs are met. As leaders and administrators continue to push for better safety in youth sports, it’s also important to remember that true success includes children’s mental and emotional health.