ATHLETES AND MENTAL HEALTH
Raising Awareness and Advocating for Increased Resources and Access to Mental Health Assistance.
ABOUT SHERCARES
In recent years, student athletes have experienced a significant rise in suicide rates and mental health challenges. Despite the growing prevalence of depression and anxiety, stigma still prevents many from seeking help.
At SherCares, we believe an athlete’s mental health deserves the same priority as their physical well-being. Our mission is to raise awareness of this ongoing crisis and provide student athletes with access to vital resources and information that are often hard to find.
For many athletes, competition — the drive to win — is at the center of their identity. They push themselves not just for personal success, but for the expectations of coaches, teammates, parents, and spectators. In this pursuit, their mental health is often overlooked or intentionally ignored just to stay in the game.
Athletes are frequently seen as strong, resilient — even invincible. This perception contributes to the stigma that discourages them from speaking up when they feel overwhelmed or are struggling internally.
Athletes need to know that taking a mental break is not a weakness — it’s a necessary part of performing at their best. They deserve support, understanding, and the assurance that their well-being comes first.
Mental health must be recognized as a priority — not behind the competition, but beyond it.
Mental Health Can Affect Athletic Performance
An athlete’s mental state plays a direct role in their performance. When mental health is strained, it can lead to increased anxiety, lack of focus, and even higher risk of injury during competition. The intense pressure of sports often amplifies these challenges, causing shifts in mindset that impact both confidence and consistency.
To perform at their best, athletes must be equipped not only physically, but mentally. Learning how to manage their mental health is essential — not optional.
* Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional. This is information based on my opinions, views and information obtained from other resources.
What you can Do
STATISTICS
- Athletes suffering from anxiety: 30% (women) 25% (men). (John Hopkins, September 2022)
- Student athletes seeking a mental health professional: 10%. (John Hopkins, September 2022)
- Highschool and college athletes that suffer from depression: 15% - 21% . (Achieve Concierge, July 2020)
- Adolescents with some form of anxiety: Estimated 31.9%.
(National Federation of High schools (NFHS), Feb. 2019)
- Elite athletes struggling with eating disorders, burnout, depression or anxiety. 35% (College of Sports Medicine, February 2022)
- Student self reported balance between academics and extracurriculars: 56% (men) and 47% (women). (NCAA Well Being Study, May 2022)
Support SherCares's Mission
FACT: Injuries can be a major source of stress for athletes. When stress becomes prolonged or overwhelming, it can lead to anxiety or depression. An injury may limit—or even end—an athlete’s participation in their sport. Even after recovery, many athletes struggle with the fear of not performing at the same level as before, or worry about reinjury.
To manage the emotional impact of injuries, athletes need a balanced approach to recovery that includes medical treatment, therapy, adequate rest, and emotional support from coaches, teammates, and family. Encouraging self-care and engagement in activities outside of sports can also promote healing and resilience.
Coaches and parents should remain attentive to changes in an athlete’s mood or behavior, as these can signal mental health challenges that may require professional support. Most importantly, student-athletes should remember that their worth extends far beyond their athletic performance—there is life, joy, and purpose beyond the game. ❤️
* Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional. This is information based on my opinions, views and information obtained from other resources.
RESOURCES
For a list of mental health resources (many specific to student athletes),
please see drop down menu above.
Link to National Suicide Hotline below. 24/7 help is available.
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