Supporting the Whole Athlete

Why Mental Health Matters as Much as Sport Performance

Imagine you are going into your senior year; you are already a recognized and celebrated athlete in your sport. You’re actively participating in the college recruiting process. College coaches are regularly calling to talk to you and your parents about your options at the next level. Each day you are encouraged and energized when you pull numerous letters from the mailbox from other interested programs. You have been committed, dedicated, disciplined, and focused the entirety of the off-season on the opportunities that are likely to continue to come your way when you perform even better in the coming season.

Then it happens, only the third game of the season, possibly your worst-case scenario. Asyou plant your foot to make a block, your leg gives out. Adrenaline masks the pain for a moment, but soon you realize there is no stability. Days later, you hear the devastating news: a torn ACL, meniscus damage, and bone injury. Almost overnight, the recruiting calls and letters stop. Your future suddenly shifts to surgery, rehabilitation, and uncertainty.

For many high school athletes, this is more than just a physical injury. It is a direct blow to identity, confidence, and mental health. Questions begin to surface: Will I ever play again? What happens to my future? Who am I if I’m not competing? These questions reflect the hidden reality of sport: the pressure on athletes’ mental health is often as intense as the pressure on their bodies.

The Hidden Pressures of High School Sports

High school athletes live at the intersection of multiple demands: academic performance, athletic performance, family expectations, and the pressure they put on themselves. Research shows that student-athletes face unique stressors, including overtraining, pressure to perform, injuries, tense relationships with coaches or teammates, and fears of not making it to the next level (Poucher et al., 2019). When the focus becomes performance outcomes, wins, scholarships,championships, athletes may fall into cycles of perfectionism, burnout, and even risk-taking behaviors like playing through pain or injury (Purcell et al., 2023).

These pressures affect nearly every young athlete. One study of 200 high school athletes found that 91% reported experiencing stress due to sports (Ward et al., 2023). Yet stress is only the beginning. Left unaddressed, it can progress into anxiety, depression, or other serious concerns.

The Scope of Mental Health Challenges in Athletes

We often assume sports protect against mental health struggles. But research paints a different picture. A systematic review found that student-athletes experience mental health conditions at rates comparable to their peers, but often face higher risks due to stigma and reluctance to seek help (Kaishian et al., 2022). For example:

Between 16–31% of student-athletes report moderate to severe depression.

Between 25–48% report moderate to severe anxiety.

Over half report sleep problems, binge drinking, or other risk behaviors. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ athletes face significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than their peers.

In younger athletes, the risks emerge early. About half of all mental health disorders begin before age 18, yet nearly 60% of adolescent mental health issues go undetected and untreated (Purcell et al., 2023). Among youth elite athletes, nearly 1 in 6 are actively experiencing a mental health disorder, with lifetime prevalence rates around 25% (Purcell et al., 2023).

At the varsity and collegiate levels, the numbers are even more alarming. A 2025 study of athletes ages 18–25 found that 64.5% reported elevated anxiety, 62.9% reported depression, and nearly 60% reported substance use (Frontiers, 2025). These athletes also had a 71% chance of dropping out in their first year of college compared to non-athletes.

Why Addressing the Whole Person Matters

The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” (Poucher et al., 2019, p. 61). Mental health is not just the absence of illness, it’s about thriving.

Most student-athletes report that their motivation to participate is to feel good, be healthy, and have fun (Kaishian et al., 2022). Yet the culture around them often treats them as if the only acceptable outcomes are wins, scholarships, or championships. This disconnect can erode well-being and resilience. Addressing the whole person, not just their physical training, is what builds true resilience, both in sport and in life.

Barriers to Seeking Help and the Parent’s Role

Despite high rates of stress and mental health challenges, most athletes don’t seek professional help. In fact, only about 10% of college athletes experiencing mental health problems reach out for care (Ward et al., 2023). Stigma remains the number one barrier. Many fear being judged by coaches, teammates, or even parents (Poucher et al., 2019). When high school athletes were asked who they would turn to first for help with stress, 50% said they would talk to a friend, not a parent, coach, or professional (Ward et al., 2023). While peers offer comfort, they often lack the tools to provide effective support. This is where parents make a critical difference. By normalizing mental health care as part of overall health, just like athletic training or physical therapy, parents can dismantle stigma and open doors to real help.

Call to Action

Athletics offers young people tremendous benefits including discipline, teamwork, fitness, and confidence. But without support for the whole person, the risks are high. Parents play a vital role. Pay attention to changes in your athlete’s mood, behavior, or sleep. Ask questions. Encourage balance. And if you notice signs of distress, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

The strongest and most successful athletes are not just physically prepared; they are mentally supported. By caring for your child’s whole self, you’re not only supporting their athletic journey, but you’re also equipping them with the resilience to thrive in every arena of life. Reach out to us to learn more about scheduling a session for life transitions.

References

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. (2025). Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and substance use in varsity student-athletes. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7, Article 1527793. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1527793

Kaishian, J. E., Kaishian, R. M., Kaishian, J. E., & Kaishian, R. M. (2022). The prevalence of mental health conditions among high school and collegiate student-athletes: A systematic review.

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 16(3), 254–275. https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2020-0066 Poucher, Z. A., Tamminen, K. A., Kerr, G., & Cairney, J. (2019). A commentary on mental health research in elite sport.

Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 33(1), 60–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2019.1668496 Purcell, R., Henderson, J., Tamminen, K. A., et al. (2023). Starting young to protect elite athletes’ mental health.

British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(7), 439–440. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106154 Ward, T., Stead, T., Mangal, R., & Ganti, L. (2023). Prevalence of stress amongst high school athletes (v2). Health Psychology Research, 11, 70167. https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.70167