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A professional athlete shares their struggle with depression on social media. An elite competitor steps away from their sport while the whole world is watching. A champion credits therapy for saving their life.
High-profile players have shown the world that no one is immune to mental health challenges. At the same time, they’re helping reduce stigma by speaking openly about mental health in sports — and showing other athletes that it’s OK to ask for help.
Mental health challenges in athletes
When athletes break a bone or get injured, they get treatment and time off to recover. Mental health struggles — like anxiety, burnout, or depression — deserve the same care and attention. Left unaddressed, they can affect how athletes feel, train, and show up in their daily lives.
Exercise can lift a person’s mood. But that doesn’t mean it protects athletes from mental health problems. Athletes face the same risk as anyone else. On top of that, they deal with pressures that are unique to competitive sports. For example, 1 in 4 college athletes report feeling mentally exhausted on a near-constant basis. Female athletes are more than twice as likely as their male peers to feel overwhelmed.1
Talking about mental health challenges and asking for support can help athletes handle these pressures, manage emotions, and maintain confidence.
What affects athletes’ mental health?
Athletes of all ages and backgrounds can face mental health challenges. But some pressures are more common in competitive sports. Here are a few that come up often.
Anxiety
Athletes may feel pressure to win from many places — coaches, teammates, family, friends, fans, and even themselves. The stress of the game adds up. This can lead to performance anxiety. Athletes may feel like they’re not good enough during training or practice, even when they’re performing well.
Physical and social stress
Years of intense training and competition can lead to burnout. Strict diets and unrealistic body expectations can cause disordered eating. If athletes have to stop playing because of an injury, some may feel depressed.2 Solo athletes — who mostly interact with coaches and competitors — can also struggle with loneliness.
Time demands
Athletes may spend 40 hours a week on their sport — sometimes on top of school or a job. Traveling for games can mean missing personal events or classes. Student-athletes still need time to complete assignments and study. Some college athletes may also face financial stress if they don’t have time to work.
These pressures are why it’s so important for athletes to pay attention to how they’re feeling — and to know the signs that something may be off.
Signs of mental health issues in athletes
Mental health challenges can affect how someone feels, thinks, or behaves. Signs can include:
- Loss of interest in their sport or declining performance
- Sudden behavior changes
- Increased irritability or short temper
- Frequent low moods
- Negative self-talk
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding social situations
- Sleeping or eating too little or too much
If this sounds like someone you know, start a conversation about it. If you’re noticing these signs in yourself, know that it’s OK to reach out. Athletes sometimes feel they should be tough and handle problems alone. But they’re human, like everyone else. Let them know you see them and are there to help. Learn how to support someone who may be struggling or find ways to show someone you care.
How athletes can prioritize their mental health
Athletes who care for their mental well-being may perform better and enjoy their sport more. Whether you’re a high school athlete, college player, or elite competitor, here are 6 ways you can prioritize your mental health.
Create a support system
Keep up relationships with friends and loved ones outside the game — people who value you for who you are. Speak openly about mental health concerns with your teammates and coaches. People want to be there for each other, but they need to know what’s going on. Sharing your own struggles — and letting others know you’re there for them — can help reduce stigma and build stronger support networks.
Draw boundaries
It’s important to find a balance between sports and your personal life. Give yourself time to rest and recover, mentally and physically. See your friends and family when you can. If you’re in school, make time to keep up with your classes — join a study group or connect with a tutor.
If you feel like you need a reset, you may want to take time off. A vacation, an offseason, or a longer break can help you reconnect with yourself — and your goals.
Develop a self-care program
Excelling at sports requires intense physical training. When it comes to your mental health, self-care is like training for your brain. It can help reduce stress, relieve symptoms of depression, and build resilience.
Try different approaches and see what works for you:
- Journal to clear your head
- Spend time in nature
- Meditate or do breathing exercises
- Talk to a friend
- Make art
- Play with a pet
- List what you’re grateful for
Set goals
Small, realistic goals — both in sports and in daily life — can help you feel more in control. Reaching your goals can boost your motivation and self-esteem and help you stay focused.
Practice positive self-talk
Whether it’s first thing in the morning or before a competition, try giving yourself a pep talk. Look at yourself in the mirror and speak like you would to your best friend or teammate. Tell yourself, “I’m working hard” or “I'm getting better every day.”
Get help when you need it
If stress, sadness, or anxiety lasts for weeks, reach out for support. You can talk with your doctor or a mental health professional. You can also talk with a coach, an athletic trainer, a school counselor, or another trusted person.
Kaiser Permanente members have access to a library of mental health and wellness resources — including self-care programs, therapy options, and wellness coaching — to help find the right support.
If you feel like you might hurt yourself, call 988 or 911 right away.3
Supporting young athletes’ mental health
Young athletes face their own set of pressures — from making the team to balancing schoolwork to dealing with a tough loss. Building mental toughness or resilience early can help them manage stress, stay focused, and bounce back from setbacks. Here are some ways parents and caregivers can help.
Use process goals
Help kids to focus on effort instead of outcomes. Instead of “I must win,” encourage them to try:
- “I’ll give my best effort”
- “I’ll keep trying after a mistake”
- “I'll run hard to first base every time I hit the ball”
Teach a simple pregame breathing routine
Before a game, try this together for one minute:
- Breathe in through the nose for 4 counts
- Hold for 2 counts
- Breathe out slowly for 6 counts
Repeat until they feel calm and ready.
Give them a self-talk script
Short phrases can help kids stay focused under pressure. Suggest options like:
- “I’m ready”
- “I can learn from this”
- “I’ll do the next right thing”
Reflect together after the game
After the game, help kids focus on effort and learning rather than the score. Instead of “Did you win?” try asking:
- What went well today?
- What did you learn?
- What will you try next time?
Check in early and often
Supporting your child’s mental health is an important part of parenting. Check in regularly and listen to understand — not just once, but often. Help your child name their emotions and find healthy ways to express them. Praise effort, not just wins, and remind them that mistakes are part of learning. Staying in touch with coaches can also help you spot concerns early and keep the messaging consistent.
If your child’s mood or behavior worries you, contact their pediatrician or a mental health professional. You can also learn more about youth mental health, tips on teen mental health, and how to help young people talk about their feelings.
If something about your child’s team environment doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts — and speak up. Kids’ physical and mental safety should be everyone’s priority.
For more tips and resources for staying healthy, explore our healthy living articles.