MHM Magazine

16 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2024 | Issue 6 MHM In addition to students' challenges, student-athletes face their own unique mental health challenges. While sports participation can boost self- esteem, self-discipline and social skills, it can also add extra stress. In addition to managing academic and social demands, student- athletes face pressures specific to their athletic roles, like handling injuries, coping with performance pressures, and balancing training with educational responsibilities. Research shows that student- athletes experience mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, eating disorders and substance misuse, at similar or even higher rates than their non-athlete peers. A recent investigation conducted among two hundred student- athletes, with an average age of 20.45 years, representing various sporting codes, including field hockey, netball, athletics (track and field), badminton, basketball, water polo, gymnastics, judo, swimming, rowing, and fencing, indicated that 6.5% showed extremely severe levels of depression, while 4.5% indicated severe and 13.0% moderate levels of depression. Fifteen percent of the athletes noted experiencing extremely severe levels of anxiety, 6.5 % severe and 23.5% moderate levels of anxiety. One percent of the athletes displayed extremely severe levels of distress, 6% had severe levels of distress, and 14% had moderate distress levels. Thirty-five percent indicated mild disturbed sleeping behaviours, with 20% reporting moderate and 15% severe symptoms of disturbed sleeping behaviour. Twenty-nine percent of the athletes noted adverse alcohol use, while 75% indicated the presence of adverse eating behaviour. Twelve percent of the athletes indicated that they smoke. Mental health awareness Creating mental health awareness is essential for supporting student-athletes because it helps address their unique challenges. Without awareness, mental health issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout can go unnoticed or be minimised as “part of the game.” Raising awareness may help break down the stigma around mental health, encouraging student-athletes to speak up and seek help when needed. It also reminds coaches, athletic staff and teammates to look for signs of distress and support each other. When mental health becomes a regular part of the conversation in sports, student-athletes can feel more comfortable addressing their struggles. They can access counselling, mental health screenings, and coping tools. Promoting mental health awareness improves student- athletes' well-being and supports their performance, helping them stay focused, resilient, and balanced in their athletic and academic lives. It’s about creating a culture where mental health is valued just as much as physical health, so every athlete feels supported in all aspects of their college experience. Concluding thoughts • There’s a common misconception that athletes are less at risk for mental health challenges and psychosocial issues. Still, on the contrary, student-athletes are just as likely as anyone else to have these concerns. • It’s essential for everyone involved in university sports— coaches, trainers, team doctors, and other support staff—to recognise this phenomenon and to consider these concerns when working with their teams. • Educating stakeholders about the clinical picture of mental health issues in student- athletes is crucial for early detection and timely support. Coaches, athletic trainers, sports medicine staff and even teammates play a vital role in an athlete’s life and are often the first to notice subtle signs of distress. However, without a basic understanding of mental health symptoms—such as changes in mood, energy, motivation, or behaviour— these early warning signs can easily be overlooked or misinterpreted as just having a bad day. • When stakeholders are trained to recognise common mental health concerns like anxiety, depression and burnout, they’re better equipped to identify potential issues before they escalate into something more serious. This understanding also helps them approach athletes in a supportive, non- judgmental way, encouraging open conversations and reducing the stigma that can prevent athletes from seeking help. • It’s crucial to make mental health screenings a routine part of sports medicine care for student-athletes. Regular mental health check-ins can help catch issues early on, allowing for timely support and intervention before problems escalate or lead to more serious, long-term impacts. • Proactively addressing mental health can also help athletes stay focused and motivated and perform at their best— both on the field and in their academic pursuits. • It’s essential to normalise mental health among student- athletes and to promote mental health awareness to break down the stigma around mental health. References available on request. MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 6 | Mental health among student-athletes