Written by Pat Brown, MBA
The world of student-athletics is filled with excitement, competition, and opportunity. However, it also comes with intense pressure, high expectations, and a demanding schedule that can take a toll on a young athlete’s mental health. Parents play a critical role in recognizing when their child may be struggling and offering the support they need.
Many student-athletes are reluctant to talk about mental health because they fear being perceived as weak or worry that seeking help could impact their playing time. This makes it even more important for parents to be proactive in recognizing the signs of emotional distress. Below are five key symptoms to watch for in your student-athlete that may indicate they need mental health support.
1. Sudden Changes in Mood or Behavior
One of the most telling signs of a mental health struggle is a noticeable shift in mood or behavior. If your child was once highly motivated, social, or energetic but is now withdrawn, irritable, or easily frustrated, it may be a sign that they are dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion.
What to look for:
- Increased irritability or frequent mood swings
- Uncharacteristic emotional outbursts or excessive frustration
- Loss of enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed
- Difficulty managing stress in situations they previously handled well
If your child seems more short-tempered, overly anxious, or unusually quiet, it’s important to have an open conversation about how they are feeling and what may be affecting them.
2. Sleep Issues and Fatigue
Athletic performance and academic success both require adequate rest. If your student-athlete is having trouble sleeping—whether it’s insomnia, oversleeping, or chronic fatigue—it could be a sign that stress, anxiety, or depression is weighing on them.
What to look for:
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Sleeping too much or struggling to wake up in the morning
- Constant exhaustion, even after getting enough rest
- Complaints of headaches or body aches unrelated to physical exertion
A lack of sleep not only affects performance on the field but also has long-term consequences on emotional regulation and mental well-being.
3. Withdrawal from Friends, Family, or Teammates
Student-athletes spend a lot of time around their teammates, coaches, and family members. If your child starts isolating themselves, avoiding social activities, or showing disinterest in spending time with loved ones, it could be a red flag that they are struggling emotionally.
What to look for:
- Avoiding family gatherings, team events, or social outings
- Reduced communication with friends or coaches
- Lack of enthusiasm for social interactions they once enjoyed
- Spending excessive time alone in their room
Isolation can be a symptom of depression or anxiety, and it’s important to encourage open dialogue with your child about how they are feeling.
4. Loss of Interest in Their Sport or Schoolwork
A sudden decline in performance or interest in athletics or academics may indicate deeper emotional struggles. If your child, who was once passionate about their sport, suddenly seems disengaged or unmotivated, it could be a sign that they are dealing with burnout or mental health challenges.
What to look for:
- Decreased effort or enthusiasm in practices or games
- Skipping workouts or making excuses to avoid training
- Struggling with focus or motivation in school
- Drop in grades or academic performance
While it’s normal for student-athletes to go through periods of frustration, a prolonged lack of motivation could be a sign that they are emotionally overwhelmed.
5. Increased Anxiety or Overwhelming Stress
Pressure to perform, maintain scholarships, and balance academics with athletics can create immense stress for student-athletes. While some level of anxiety is normal, excessive or chronic anxiety can be damaging.
What to look for:
- Constant worry about performance or making mistakes
- Panic attacks or physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or racing heart
- Fear of disappointing coaches, teammates, or family
- Negative self-talk or perfectionism that leads to self-doubt
If your child is experiencing persistent anxiety, it’s important to validate their feelings and help them develop coping strategies. Encouraging them to talk to a professional counselor or sports psychologist can be beneficial.
How Parents Can Help
Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in supporting your child’s mental health. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Encourage Open Conversations: Let your child know they can talk to you without fear of judgment. Be an active listener and validate their feelings.
- Promote Healthy Coping Strategies: Encourage stress-relief activities like meditation, journaling, or talking to a mentor.
- Support Professional Help: If needed, help them connect with a counselor, sports psychologist, or therapist who specializes in student-athletes.
- Normalize Mental Health Care: Just like physical health, mental health needs attention and care. Let them know seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Monitor Their Schedule and Workload: If they are overloaded, help them find a balance between sports, school, and personal time.
Final Thoughts
Student-athletes face unique pressures, and their mental health is just as important as their physical health. As parents, staying vigilant, having open conversations, and providing emotional support can make all the difference in their well-being. If you notice persistent changes in your child’s mood, energy, or behavior, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.
For more guidance and resources on supporting your student-athlete’s mental health, feel free to reach out to me at in**@**********************es.com. Together, we can help our children thrive on and off the field.
By recognizing these five warning signs, you can ensure your child receives the support they need, helping them maintain both their mental well-being and their love for the game.
