Athlete Mental Health

The National Institute of Mental Health has estimated that nearly one in five American adults, aged 18 and over, lives with a mental illness. Athletes, at any level, are not exempt, but they are less likely to seek out help. This is often due to the social stigma regarding mental health, concern that treatment denotes weakness, or the athlete’s belief that they can conquer mental illness without assistance (Baum, 2003; Glick & Horsfall, 2005). Athletes face unique stressors that may make them particularly susceptible to psychological distress. Stressors unique to athletes that may trigger or worsen psychological distress include risk of injury, financial responsibilities, transition/adjustment issues, performance pressure, media scrutiny, job insecurity, personal/family relationships, sports-relationship issues, and race and sociocultural factors. Some specific indicators an athlete may be struggling, include:

Flat, irritable, or sad mood
Withdrawal and isolation
Sleep disturbance
Changes in personality/behavior compared with how he or she normally acts
Decreased interest in normally enjoyed activities
Substance abuse
Anger outbursts
Increased risk taking behaviors
Anxiety/Panic Attacks

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of sports-related mental health concerns, you do not have to suffer in silence. You are not alone! Over the last few years multiple athletes have spoken up about their battles with mental health as described in the USA Today article, "When athletes share their battles with mental illness".

Asking for help does not make you weak. There is help for you to get better, learn new skills, and reach your full potential.

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Athlete Mental Health Awareness: The Invisible Opponent

30% of student-athletes reported depression and almost half reported anxiety. NCAA Sport Science Institute, 2017

Up to 35% of elite athletes suffer from a mental health crisis at some point in their career which may manifest as stress, eating disorders, burnout, or depression and anxiety.

Many athletes hide their pain as they adhere to the stigma that they have to be mentally tough, keeping their feelings to themselves.

Despite successes in their sport, some athletes report feeling alone and overwhelmed with feelings of emptiness.

Unaddressed stress and anxiety can increase the rsik for injury.

Some young athletes that adopt an exclusively athletic identity, attached to their performance, can be susceptible to potential mental health issues.

Mental Performance Services

Strengthening mindset. Enhancing resilience. Elevating performance.

Mental performance services help athletes excel under pressure, recover from setbacks, and maximize their potential.

Performance Support Includes:

Mental performance coaching
Confidence and mindset development
Coping with pressure, stress, and expectations
Performance anxiety support
Injury recovery and return-to-play readiness
Resilience and focus training
Balancing mental health with high performance

These services help clients perform at their best—on the court, in the workplace, and in life. Because greatness begins within. We help clients develop the mental clarity, discipline, and belief that allow talent to rise and potential to shine. Because adversity is part of every journey. We equip individuals with the tools to continue forward with strength, courage, and unwavering self-trust—even when the path is challenging. Because success is more than results. We help clients step fully into who they are, unlock their abilities, and perform with confidence, purpose, and a deep sense of wellness. Through evidence-based techniques and personalized coaching, clients learn to stay grounded under pressure, build confidence, silence inner doubt, and cultivate the mindset of excellence required for peak performance.

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