Pressure isn’t the problem. Being unprepared for pressure is. Athletes, performers, and professionals don’t suddenly fall apart when things matter most. What usually happens is more gradual—and far more common. Expectations increase. Schedules get tighter. Recovery gets shorter. Responsibilities stack up. Eventually, the mental habits that once worked are no longer enough. That’s when performance starts to slip—not because of a lack of talent or effort, but because t

College athletes are masters at pushing through pain, showing toughness, and staying locked in on performance. From the outside, you look strong, focused, and in control. But on the inside? Sometimes it feels different. Irritability, constant worry, racing thoughts, negative self-talk, or even anger can be signs of depression or anxiety—and those can impact both your sport and your life.