Student Athlete Mental Health: Finding Balance On and Off the Field

Author: Jessie Lazzell, LMHC

As we gear up for the fall season, America’s favorite pastimes come into full swing. Student athletes everywhere are lacing up their cleats, sharpening their focus, and preparing for another season filled with excitement, competition, and camaraderie. But with this fresh start also comes an undeniable weight—one that often goes unnoticed or unspoken. I know this well, because I’ve been there. As a former college athlete, I can still remember the whirlwind of managing practices, classes, games, travel, and the delicate balance of trying to maintain friendships and a social life.

On top of it all, there was the constant pressure—to perform, to improve, to impress coaches, parents, and sometimes most of all, myself. While athletics can be an incredible avenue for growth, discipline, and lifelong friendships, it also introduces unique mental health challenges. With fall sports kicking off, it’s important to talk openly about the pressures student athletes face, the toll it can take on their mental well-being, and how they (along with their families, coaches, and communities) can find healthier ways to navigate the season.

The Pressure of Student Athletics

For many student athletes, especially those in high school and college, the sports season isn’t just about the game. It’s about identity, self-worth, and future opportunity. This creates a pressure cooker environment where the stakes always feel high.

● Internal Pressure: Athletes are often their own toughest critics. Missing a shot, fumbling the ball, or having an off day at practice can spiral into negative self-talk, anxiety, and a fear of failure.

● External Pressure: Parents, coaches, and teammates may not mean to add stress, but expectations—whether spoken or unspoken—can weigh heavily. A parent’s hope for a scholarship, a coach’s desire to win, or a teammate’s reliance can make a young athlete feel like the entire season rests on their shoulders.

● Balancing Acts: Add to this the balancing act of schoolwork, college applications, part- time jobs, and social relationships, and the demands can feel overwhelming. This blend of internal and external stress often leaves athletes feeling like they have no room for mistakes, no space for rest, and no opportunity to simply be kids.

The Hidden Costs of Always “Being On”

The physical exhaustion of sports is obvious—aching muscles, long practices, and grueling schedules. But what about the hidden costs? The late-night studying after a long road game. The skipped meals or poor sleep due to time crunches. The loss of time for hobbies or downtime that allows the mind to recharge and their cups to be filled outside of sports. Over time, these sacrifices can take a toll on mental health:

● Burnout: Constantly performing without adequate rest leads to emotional, mental, and

physical exhaustion.

● Anxiety & Depression: When identity and self-worth are tied too closely to

performance, every mistake feels catastrophic.

● Isolation: Feeling “different” from peers who aren’t juggling athletics can leave student

athletes feeling misunderstood or alone. Missing out of the “typical” life of a teen or

young adult.

I remember a stretch of my own athletic career where I couldn’t shake the exhaustion. Practices bled into games, games into travel, and before I knew it, weeks had passed without meaningful downtime. What I once loved started to feel like an obligation. That’s the scary part—when the passion that got you started begins to feel like pressure you can’t escape. You forget the joy the sport once brought you and it becomes a chore.

Why This Conversation Matters Now

The return of sports after summer break heightens these pressures. Students are transitioning back to the classroom, adapting to new routines, and re-engaging socially after months apart. For freshmen, this may be their first taste of high school or college athletics. For upperclassmen, it might be the looming pressure of recruiting, scholarships, or leadership roles. And while sports provide structure, purpose, and community, ignoring the mental health side can undermine all of those positives. Talking openly about mental health doesn’t make athletes weak—it makes them human. And more importantly, it makes them sustainable athletes who can actually thrive both on and off the field.

Building a Healthier Approach to Student Athletics

So how do we change the culture around student athletes and mental health? It takes a collective effort—from the athletes themselves, their parents, coaches, and schools.

Here are a few ways to start:

1. Normalize Conversations About Mental Health

Athletes are trained to push through pain, but mental health shouldn’t be treated like a twisted

ankle or sore muscle to “shake off.” Creating safe spaces where athletes can talk about stress,

burnout, or anxiety without fear of judgment is critical. Whether it’s a team check-in, a trusted

coach, or even a school counselor, knowing it’s okay to ask for help can make all the difference.

2. Encourage Balance

Coaches and parents often emphasize discipline and commitment, but it’s just as important to

encourage rest, recovery, and time away from the sport. That could mean setting aside time for

family dinners, attending social events, or simply giving athletes a day off to reset.

3. Redefine Success

Performance should not be the only measure of success. Effort, growth, teamwork, and

resilience are equally important. When athletes know their worth isn’t tied to a scoreboard,

they’re more likely to maintain a healthier relationship with the sport.

4. Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Adequate sleep, nutrition, and mental breaks are non-negotiable. Coaches and athletes alike

should recognize that rest is part of training, not a sign of weakness. Recovery days should be

normalized and respected.

5. Model Vulnerability

As a former athlete, I can attest that one of the most powerful things you can hear from a

mentor, coach, or older teammate is: “I’ve been there too.” Sharing stories of struggle and

resilience helps athletes realize they’re not alone.

What I Wish I Had Known

Looking back on my own career, I wish I had given myself more grace. I wish I had understood

that missing a workout, taking a rest day, or even admitting I was overwhelmed didn’t make me

less of an athlete. It made me human.

I also wish I had realized sooner that no game, scholarship, or trophy is worth sacrificing your

mental health. Because at the end of the day, sports end—but you continue. Your mental well-

being, your friendships, your sense of self—those are the things that last.

A Final Word to Student Athletes

If you’re stepping back onto the field, court, or track this fall, know this: You are more than your stats. You are more than your wins and losses. You are more than what any coach or parent says about your performance. Your value isn’t earned in practices or written on leaderboards—it’s already yours. Remember to give yourself space to breathe, to rest, and to just be a teenager or young adult. Talk to someone if the pressure feels heavy. And know that asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you strong enough to keep going. The game is important—but so are you. Don’t forget that as the season unfolds. As this season begins, let’s commit to supporting the whole athlete—not just their performance on the field.

If you’re a student athlete, check in with yourself regularly and don’t hesitate to speak up if you’re struggling. If you’re a parent or coach, create an environment where mental health is as valued as physical training. Share this conversation with your team, your family, or your community, and remind the athletes in your life that their worth goes far beyond the scoreboard. If you’re looking for more individual and specific support, reach out to us at 754 308 5525!

Together, we can build a culture where student athletes thrive—not just as competitors, but as people.