Student-athletes face significant mental health challenges as they navigate the dual pressures of performing both academically and physically. While recent data suggests some improvement in mental health problems post-pandemic, the landscape remains concerning, with high rates of anxiety and depression, and some extreme cases of burnout.
Balancing an accurate and demanding academic schedule with demanding commitments to sport puts student-athletes under incredible amounts of stress. Time management is one of the main factors causing this stress, which often leads to mental exhaustion. These rigid schedules limit athletes from opportunities of self-care, incrementing the probabilities of mental health issues.
A 2023 NCAA survey involving more than 23,000 student-athletes revealed that mental health concerns have decreased in all three NCAA divisions. It also disclosed that academic pressures are one of the main reasons of mental health concerns, followed by future planning and financial worries.
Despite some post-pandemic improvements, mental health challenges remain frequent among student-athletes. The same NCAA survey indicated that at least 44% of female athletes and 17% of male athletes reported feeling severely and constantly overwhelmed.
Further statistics highlight the raising issue within the student-athlete population:
- Over 35% reported feeling mentally exhausted.
- 40% of women’s sports participants and 54% of men’s sports participants said they would feel comfortable talking to their coaches about mental health issues.
- 70% of student-athletes reported having people on campus that can trust to provide support when needed.
- Only 50% reported feeling comfortable seeking support from a licensed mental health provider on campus.
These statistics show that even though there are programs installed to help student-athletes, coordinators need to figure out how to make a safe environment in which athletes are not ashamed to ask for help. This reluctance is based on a sporting culture that prioritises physical toughness over emotional well-being, not allowing athletes to express vulnerability.
A 2018 study of over 300 ex student-athletes found that about 1 in 5 met clinical cut-offs for anxiety or depression symptoms on average. These varied between female and male athletes: more than double the percentage of female athletes with anxiety or depression symptoms as compared to their male equals – 26% against 10%.
In recent years, these mental health problems regarding student-athletes have shifted the focus on the unique challenges they face. Scientific studies show that nearly half of elite athletes experience mental health issues during their careers, with anxiety and depression taking the top places. These findings underscore the pressing need for targeted mental health support within the sporting world.
As explained earlier, 44% of student-athletes report experiencing mental health symptoms daily. Notably, women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and LGTBIQ+ athletes report higher rates of mental health struggles, highlighting the intersectionality of these challenges. These athletes often face additional barriers – such as discrimination, marginalisation, or lack of representation – which could lead to more psychological pressure.
Educational institutions and athletic programs play a crucial role in supporting student-athletes mental health. Implementing more mental health resources, providing access to counselling services, and fostering an environment that encourages open discussions about mental well-being are important steps that should be considered when creating a safe environment for student-athletes.
As more athletes, from Olympians to student-athletes, speak out about their mental health struggles, it’s clear that their mental well-being is as critical as physical health for achieving success in sports.
Although these numbers are still concerning, they reflect progress in supporting student-athlete mental health, as the latest survey shows a decrease in mental health concerns. In men’s sports, feeling constantly overwhelmed dropped from 25% to 17%, and feeling mentally exhausted dropped from 22% to 16%, with the most significant developments in Division I (D1). In women’s sports, the 44% of athletes who reported feeling overwhelmed is down from 47% and reports of mentally exhaustion are down to 35%, showing a smaller decrease compared to men’s sports.
Role models at the highest levels of sport have also influences the conversation. Olympians like Michael Phelps or Simone Biles have publicly shared their struggles with anxiety, depression, and burnout, encouraging other to prioritise mental stability over medals. Their campaigns have helped break down the stigmas and have inspired student-athletes to speak more openly about their own experiences.
While these figures suggest progress and a positive trajectory, they also remind us that the journey toward strong mental health programs with students participating in performance sports is far from over. Student-athletes remain at higher risk for experiencing mental health struggles than non-athlete students, and without more support and awareness, this process will lose its spotlight.
Mental health is as crucial to physical fitness as athletic performances. It’s time for schools and universities, coaches and athletic organisations to invest in mental health strategies – ones that see student-athletes not only as competitors, but as human beings who are allowed to struggle.