Although athletics allow many positive benefits for youth, the negatives on their mental health can be quite devastating. The teenage years are the most vulnerable since youth develop their identity and maintain numerous responsibilities. More specifically, student-athletes are at higher risk of burnout due to the large expectations between managing studies and sports.
Firstly, the highly competitive environment sports create may negatively dramatically affect the student's self-image. Since winning is often associated with talent/ability, losing can discourage the student from the sport. In addition, pressure from others such as parents and coaches raises anxiety levels, further demotivating the student from enjoying the event. Student-athletes may also experience difficult anxiety, such as making mistakes in games, not receiving enough playtime in a match, or not making a specific team. Also, setting unrealistic expectations that are expected by others can further the student to doubt their abilities in the given sport, resulting in frustration towards themself and others around them. Striving for perfection in sports isn’t healthy. Instead, set standard goals you can meet based on your current abilities and gradually increase the intensity when those previous goals are met.
Burnout refers to exhaustion or boredom when one becomes too involved with a certain activity. However, burnout doesn’t have to be just from sports. Since student-athletes still have to manage having a social life and maintaining grades, this may overwhelm them causing the student to shut down from all activities occurring in their lives. This can be seen through sports as disinterest in the sport, a new desire to quit, and a lack of enthusiasm.
If you’re experiencing any of these effects, address the root of the problem giving you a hard time. After the problem is identified, reach out to a coach or another trusted adult with advice on how to deal with the issue. Remember to take breaks during activities, and to advocate for yourself if you feel overwhelmed with the expectations and work balance at hand.
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