Mental health is a critical aspect of our well-being, and athletes are not exempt from facing common mental health challenges. After the Covid-19 pandemic, I have seen an incredible uptick in mental health topics, especially amongst children and young adults. When you add sports into the mix, the pressures seem to be amplified, especially amongst high school and college athletes. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their athlete children through these issues. When your athlete goes away to school, there are ways you can help them from afar, especially if it’s their first year away from home. For athletes, it might take time to adjust, especially when taking on more responsibility, freedom, and academic/athletic commitments. As a parent, it might you might need to adjust to the challenges in support them from a distance. Below are a few common ways parents can support their athletes away at school when it comes to mental health.
How Parents Can Support Athletes Away at School
Performance Anxiety. Athletes often grapple with performance anxiety, fearing failure and the judgment of others. Parents can foster a positive environment by emphasizing effort over outcomes. Encouraging a growth mindset helps athletes view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, reducing anxiety. I remember my first semester at school was super stressful for me. Even though I arrived in shape and ready to improve during my first preseason, I was overwhelmed and at times, unsure if I had what it took to be a DI athlete. My parents helped remind me of all of the work I put in to get to that point. They applauded my efforts week-after week, which meant highlighting my work not to miss practices, being on time to each class, keeping a healthy social circle, and giving each commitment 110%. The little things they said helped me keep my performance anxiety at bay.
Burnout. The pressure to excel can lead to burnout, affecting an athlete’s physical and mental health. Parents can promote a balanced lifestyle by ensuring their child has time for relaxation, hobbies, and social interactions. Monitoring training intensity and encouraging breaks is vital in preventing burnout. My college was over an hour from school, so my parents could only check in with me via phone. They were great in balancing certain questions, such as: ‘how do you feel?’, ‘are you keeping your weight on’?, ‘how are classes, are you able to focus?’, and more. This can be a tricky balance having to discern how tired your child is (which is literally every day during preseason or in season) versus being burnt out and completely disinterested in the sport they used to love.
Identity and Self-Worth. Athletes may tie their identity closely to their performance, affecting their self-worth. Parents can emphasize the importance of self-discovery beyond sports and provide unconditional support. Reinforcing that value is not solely derived from achievements helps build a resilient self-image. I have to give credit where credit is due: my parents did an amazing job reassuring me of my identity within and outside of sports, especially since I had many losing seasons in college. The adjustment from being a winning athlete in AAU, a 1,000 point scorer in high school, on teams with great chemistry was a much different than my college experience. There were times when I questioned my talents and my abilities to contribute to my team, especially with more L’s than W’s each year. Thanks to my mom and dad (and yes, my sister gets so much credit here too!) they were able to reinforce my self-confidence and helped remind me of my self-worth when I struggled.
Injury-related Stress. Dealing with injuries are common stressors for athletes. Parents can offer emotional support during recovery, encouraging a focus on rehabilitation and maintaining a positive outlook. Reinforcing that setbacks are a natural part of the athletic journey helps in coping with injury-related stress. I was very fortunate not to experience many injuries in school. But, when I had to sit out a few games, my parents helped me focus on the big picture: academics, supporting my teammates, and all of the other ways I could contribute to my program from the bench.
Social Pressure. Athletes may face social pressures from teammates, coaches, or peers. Parents can foster open communication, allowing their child to express concerns and providing guidance on navigating social dynamics. Building resilience to external pressures contributes to mental well-being. While I didn’t have much social pressure from teammates or peers, there were times when I didn’t agree with coaching decisions (playing time, classroom expectations, travel preferences, etc.). My parents helped me talk through situations, gave me other perspectives, and provided me with a sounding board when I needed to vent.
Perfectionism. Striving for perfection can lead to stress and anxiety. Parents can promote a healthy attitude toward mistakes, emphasizing that imperfections are part of the learning process. Encouraging self-compassion helps athletes develop a balanced approach to performance.
Transition Stress. Moving from one level of competition to another or facing the end of an athletic career can induce stress. Parents can assist in the transition by exploring alternative interests, setting new goals, and offering emotional support. Helping athletes see transitions as opportunities for growth eases the adjustment. As a parent, you can be a huge support when your child goes away to school, transfers to another school, or needs help adjusting to life after sports. Considering many young adults/ athletes have never made these moves before, having someone in our corner who doesn’t judge, but rather listens and provides us with suggestions can greatly contribute to our growth.
Communication Challenges. Athletes may struggle to articulate their emotions. Parents can create a safe space for open communication, actively listening without judgment. Encouraging the use of coping strategies like journaling or seeking professional help fosters emotional expression.
Whether it’s at home or while away at school, parents play a pivotal role in supporting athletes’ mental health. By understanding and addressing common challenges such as performance anxiety, burnout, identity issues, injury-related stress, social pressure, and more, parents can contribute to creating a nurturing environment for their athlete children. Prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical training is essential for long-term success and happiness in the world of sports.