Support for Student-Athletes
Athletes are often taught to "tough it out" or "suck it up." When you’re dealing with a bit of physical discomfort, that can work. When you’re dealing with depression or anxiety, toughing it out does not help you get better. The good news is that you're not alone.
Many student-athletes find balancing the demands of being a student-athlete challenging. Being an athlete comes with pressure to be at your best at all times. You may push yourself constantly to achieve your goals.
No person is perfect. Sometimes, you may work hard, do everything that is asked of you, eat well, get enough sleep and still fall short. You may find that your desire for perfection makes things worse, not better.
Mental health and athletic performance
Your mental health can change over time depending on your stress levels, personal life and outside factors. Sometimes, these are temporary. At other times, things may be more serious and might require more support.
Mental health disorders are medical conditions, and treatment is available. Learn the signs of what to look for and how to get the help you need. Wolverine PAWS (Performance Psychology and Wellness Services) provides mental health services and support for U-M student-athletes. They also have resources that can help you understand what to look for and when to reach out for extra help.
Feeling down or hopeless
As a student-athlete, managing high expectations and rigorous academics can add significant stress to your life. It may feel impossible to find the time to complete schoolwork while training several hours per week. This stress may leave you feeling down, tired, sad, or alone.
Everyone goes through times when they feel low. These are usually temporary. But if you find that these emotions last for long periods of time and make daily tasks a challenge, you may be struggling with depression. Depression looks different for everyone. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you find support when you need it most.
Stress and anxiety
Some anxiety is a normal part of life. However, if you find yourself feeling constant pangs of anxiety that worsen over time, you may have an anxiety disorder. When you have an anxiety disorder, these thoughts and feelings interfere with your daily life. They may also affect your athletic performance.
If you find yourself struggling with persistent anxious thoughts, talk to your doctor or therapist. Knowing the different types of anxiety disorders and the signs and symptoms of these disorders can help you get the support you need to begin to feel better.
Personal stories about athletics and mental health
Many student-athletes have bravely shared their stories. Hear the real-life stories of:
- Will, who overcame depression and self-doubt while playing football at Michigan
- Kally, who shed her pursuit of perfection to improve her health and well-being
- Stacey, whose journey with grief taught him valuable lessons about mental wellness
- G, a non-binary athlete who overcame mental health challenges while learning to embrace their identity
- Mira, who navigated the challenging transition to college life in a new state with joy and excitement
- Ashley, who has found a sense of purpose in a life without sports after graduating
Injury and mental health
Being injured as a student-athlete is never easy. Not only is it physically painful, but the path to recovery can be long and challenging. There are good days and bad days, both physically and mentally. It is common for student-athletes to struggle with their mental health after an injury. Being unable to train and compete can take away this part of your identity, leaving you feeling sad, overwhelmed or depressed.
If you find yourself struggling mentally after a physical injury, you are not alone. Your sport does not define who you are. There are some things you can do to help yourself during your healing journey.
Find your purpose
For many student-athletes, you may feel as if your identity is intertwined with your sport. For example, you may identify as a runner instead of a person who runs. You are more than an athlete. Finding a purpose or identity outside of your sport is important, especially when injured.
Explore something that has meaning for you. Join a student organization that you feel a connection to, or pursue a hobby that fills your time. Spend meaningful time with friends or loved ones. Finding new ways to feel fulfilled can help with feelings of emptiness or loneliness.
Caring for your emotional well-being can make recovery smoother.
Returning after recovery
Even after recovery, it can still be hard to feel that you can perform at your peak. You may notice that your body feels different. You may have less endurance. You may be stiffer or less agile. You may have some lingering pain that reminds you of your injury.
You may also notice your mental transition is harder. It’s common to worry that you won’t be able to play as well as you used to or that you could reinjure yourself. These fears are normal, and you can find strategies to manage them.
Relying on your support network is critical when returning to your sport. Having conversations with your teammates and coaches can help you reintegrate into the team. Outside of sports, try spending time with friends. Feeling relaxed, safe and comfortable can help relieve some stress.
Be sure to speak with the athletic counselors at Wolverine PAWS for any mental health needs. They can help you improve your headspace and are a safe space to discuss fears or worries during and after recovery.
Real stories about recovering from injury
Video: How Injury Affects Mental Health
Other injury-related stories:
- Inside the Recovery: Athletes’ Mental Health and Injuries
- Video: Season Ending | Adam Coon | Wrestling
- Video: Career Ending | Arielle Sanders | Rowing
Tips from student-athletes
Explore our videos on how student-athletes can use coping skills to improve their performance and mental well-being.