"Some people don’t think of athletes as human; they just see them for what they do and their success on the field. The more athletes define themselves by what they do, the more susceptible they are."

 

Will Heininger,

former Michigan football player.

 

 

Athletes Experience Unique Stress and Intensity and Are Least Likely to Ask for Help

 

 

The Culture of High School Athletics

 

• Many student-athletes see primary identification as an athlete
• Identification and specialization start early
• Place high expectations on themselves
• Teammates have a tremendous influence
• Coaches are powerful
• The team is a closed environment
• Parental involvement can be an issue
• Spectators can be harsh critics
• Under constant observation and evaluation

 

Stressors in Athletics

 

• Losing role on team or being cut
• Not allowed to leave the sport with dignity
• Conflicts with teammates or coach
• Concussions / Injuries
• Overtraining, year round training, burnout
• Multiple competitions, multiple teams in a week
• Fear of failure; fear of success
• Poor public performance can be humiliating
• Over functioning parent
• Problems in other major spheres (academics, social)

 

Hazing and bullying (based on power and dominance) 

• 22% of HS students subjected to dangerous hazing
• 43%  of HS students subjected to humiliating activities
• 71% of time lead to negative consequences
• Mistrust, anxiety, depression, quitting, tentative play, fighting, suicidal ideation

 

Use of alcohol and other drugs by H.S. student-athletes

• More frequently / consume more than their non-athlete peers
• Especially high in the last 3 months of the senior year
• Marked increase in drinking begins around 16.5 years
• Misuse of prescription drugs is on the rise

 

Fairfax County Athletic Community Mental Health Symposium

Brian Monday, President of the Eric Monday Foundation recently served on a panel for the Mental Health Symposium presented by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services and Fairfax Athletes Stand Together (F.A.S.T.) There was an excellent discussion regarding  mental health and the role coaches, parents and sports administrators can play in supporting and encouraging youth athletes as they cope with the struggles and pressures of their early development.

 

You are invited to view the symposium here:

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/athletics/fast