High-School Athletes enter a whole new world of level in sports, taking a toll on their mental health.
For athletes, especially those in individual sports, mental health is crucial, yet often lacking. Unlike team sports athletes sometimes are provided to have the opportunity to share the burden and have a built-in support system.
“A hurtful comment about my appearance in eighth grade deeply affected my mental health, causing me to hate my skin.” stated one of the volleyball players. “With the help of my coach, we addressed the issue and began to resolve the pain.”
This single quote is a good highlight of the importance of support and communication to overcome such challenges.
However, providing access to mental health resources should be essential for those who participate in single or team sports to help them thrive.
Mental Health is a “machine” which helps or tells you how to balance how to work “properly, to work at its optimum level. You need good sleep, you need good nutrition, you need good exercise,…” stated Mike Stead, school Social Worker.
But being good at a sport is more than just training yourself to perform at a higher level; it’s a mental sport too!
“…though they [athletes] take care of all those physical attributes, they don’t always consider the emotional care of people.”
“We do have mental health specialists, school psychologists, and social workers…” stated Mr. Diaz, school Principal, “… we have seen an uptick in need for mental health and mental support”
When you’re struggling, seek out your people – those who understand and support you, able to provide strength and encouragement that’s needed to help you find a solution.
Head Coach Tori Hanson claims no matter what or how her athletes play, she’s got your back and if you ever need to chat, the coaching staff are there.
