High school and college student-athletes are at higher risk for mental health concerns, due to the intense demands of being a student and an athlete. Student-athletes rely heavily on their routines, trainings, physical exercise as a coping skill, their teams providing positive social interactions, etc. The more we engaged in the world, the more that was suddenly taken away from us when COVID-19 hit. Much of this grief was out of our control and mandated from our government, schools, coaches, parents, etc.
The COVID-19 pandemic can be compared to past historical events that brought about mass trauma and left people psychologically hurt (eg. 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, 1980 US boycott of Olympic games). There is an undeniable impact from physiological stress on mental health resulting in anxiety, depression, grief, and hypersensitivity from trauma, which can be seen around the country. Stress responses of people who were indirectly exposed to the event mirrored responses typical of people directly exposed to the event. This domino effect is called secondary trauma. In addition, COVID-19 pandemic has appeared to have compounded pre-existing emotional concerns, such as anxiety and depression. Some of the most psychologically vulnerable are student-athletes. Previous studies have shown that in normal circumstances, student-athletes already report higher levels of anxiety and depression when compared to the general high school and college student population. This makes sense given more demands and expectations from themselves and others.
As a Mental Skills Coach...
I have had coaches, parents, and student-athletes reach out reporting that ramifications from COVID-19 appear to have resulted in 16-18 year old girls struggling more than their male counterparts and other student-athletes. Again, this evidence is self-report and not based on actual research; However, a very notable observation by many. This fallout has manifested itself into 16-18 year old female student-athletes experiencing more overt symptoms, possibly earlier in their student-athlete career, such as increased negativity toward self and in general, burnout, lack of motivation, prone to injuries, grief looking back at pre-Covid performances, lack of confidence, increased social comparisons negatively impacting self-esteem, decrease in performance, and some questioning their identity as an athlete.
I believe COVID-19 to be a double-edged sword where it did catapult mental health to the forefront of our society and decrease stigma, as well as give society the opportunity to self-reflect on their lives and decide if they were happy and being fulfilled in their lives or wanting to make changes. However, student-athletes have fewer physical and psychological resources and real-world experiences, to develop emotional intelligence and resilience, increasing their vulnerability.
Two studies validate these observations from coaches, parents, counselors, and student-athletes
#1 “Researchers (Elliott & Drummond, 2021) saw four themes emerge, in a spectrum of emotions that athletes experienced from initial distress to eventual recovery: “recognizing struggle,” “reconnection,” “re-engaging after restrictions,” and “reimagining sport.” Athletes consistently noted the negative impact sports cancelations had on their mental health. They cited feelings of “mourning,” “severe mood changes,” and “anger,” all possible symptoms of depression or anxiety in adolescents. Athletes and parents reported that the primary cause of their mental health symptoms was the loss of physical activity and socializing created by sports cancelations. When sports did return later in the pandemic, athletes also noted how decreases in “fitness and skill” often led to “a decrease in confidence and self-efficacy.”
#2 “Bazett-Jones et al., 2021, also used similar approaches to compare youth athletes’ mental health before and during COVID-19 lockdowns. They surveyed youth long-distance runners on various measures of mental and physical health 6 months before the COVID-19 pandemic as well as during COVID-19 lockdowns. Compared with their pre-COVID responses, youth runners demonstrated lower motivation to run during lockdowns, as well as different motives for running, including stress relief. Compared to their pre-COVID responses, runners also reported less enjoyment of running, increased anxiety symptoms, and lower food quality consumed.”
My purpose in writing this blog is to bring attention to student-athletes who may be experiencing some of these feelings and to validate them. Challenges will happen in our world that are not in our control, but it is what WE CHOOSE TO DO and how we choose to react that determines our path. Even if you had an initial or a few poor reactions, it’s never too late and you can choose to change your path; Know you’re not alone and reach out to me or another athletic counselor or coach. Typically, those that avoid problems are the ones that need to target it the most. Who wouldn’t want someplace confidential and emotionally safe to talk, vent, be validated, and know this person supports you, wants to help you be happy and successful, and has your best interest?
If you are the exception, this is a good awareness piece to keep in mind to help your friends and teammates.
PsychEdge Coaches Clients...
using psychological tools and mindsets that prioritize mental health and encourages self-reflection and purpose, while still helping our clients learn mental training skills and to perform well under pressure.
Our clients report:
Enhanced confidence knowing they have the skills to use when needed
Knowing how to cope with loss and be resilient, bouncing back to be better and stronger
A sense of purpose; Happier enjoying their passion
Mental training skills and ‘mental game plans’ to self-manage and channel their emotions, such as anxiety, to perform well, no matter the situation.
Visualization for mental practice, enhanced recovery, and returning to competition or performing
Feel a competitive edge over their opponents
Applying learned skills to everyday life
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Contact Coach Sarah for an appointment or free consultation!
Sarah@Psych-Edge.com Text: 630-219-0339
Elliott S, Drummond MJ, Prichard I, et al. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on youth sport in Australia and consequences for future participation and retention. BMC Public Health. 2021;21(1). 10.1186/s12889-021-10505-5.
Kass P, Morrison TE. The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Youth Athlete Mental Health: A Narrative Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2023 May;25(5):193-199. doi: 10.1007/s11920-023-01422-y. Epub 2023 Apr 11. PMID: 37040012; PMCID: PMC10088793.
Bazett-Jones DM, Garcia MC, Taylor-Haas JA, et al. Changes in motivation, socialization, wellness and mental health in youth long-distance runners during COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. Front Sports Act Living. 2021;3. 10.3389/fspor.2021.696264.
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