A few weeks ago, the world watched American figure skater Ilja Malinin fall twice during the Winter Olympics in Milan. The self-proclaimed “Quad God,” widely considered a favorite for the gold medal, had trained harder than ever for the Games. But in the end, he was not able to fulfill his dream. Even one of the world’s top athletes struggles with anxiety and intense pressure to perform.
Mental health has become a growing concern in competitive sports. For many college athletes, the pressure to perform, balance academics and maintain scholarships can lead to anxiety, burnout and depression. The conversation around mental health is becoming more urgent as athletes speak more openly about their struggles, according to the website of Mass General Brigham, a nonprofit healthcare system based in Massachusetts.
The consequences of mental health issues in athletics include students quitting sports early, a higher risk of injuries, decreased performance and burnout, according to a 2021 policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Student-athletes see their sport as their entire identity. Performing at their best becomes the first priority, and their lives revolve around their sport. But learning that they are much more than just their athletic performance is very important and helps build a stronger and more self-confident mindset.
“We are helping athletes build resilience against these pressures by making sure they have good coping skills and outlets other than their sport where they can regain energy,” said Silas Chambers, a counselor at the Milligan University Counseling Center. “We also help them learn that they are more than their sport and more than their results, even if they are bad. Results don’t define who you are.”
Youssef Heggy, a junior soccer player and business systems analysis major from Germany, struggles with pressure to perform. He came to the United States three years ago because soccer is his life. He knows that if he doesn’t perform well, he might lose his scholarship and the ability to stay at Milligan. What keeps him focused is basic routines and a balanced diet.
When asked if he ever wanted to quit playing soccer, he replied, “No”.
“Yes, the thought of quitting came up a few times. But it was never an actual option for me — not because the pressure wasn’t too great, but because my love for the sport simply outweighs everything else.”
Layla Fox, a freshman with an undeclared major on the golf team, struggles with nerves before tournaments. She once experienced such a severe anxiety attack on the course that she felt sick and never wanted to be in that situation ever again. After talking with friends and family, she decided to seek help at the counseling center. Since then, her mental health has improved. Not only has her well-being before tournaments changed, but her motivation for practice and preparation has also improved.
To help student-athletes improve their mental health it is important to set healthy boundaries and relationships, said Kristy Pruitt, a licensed professional counselor at the counseling center.
“Students should feel safe in their space. That includes setting routines, having enough sleep, and eating healthy food,” said Pruitt.
Although conversations about mental health have become more common, stigma still exists. The expectation that athletes should be mentally tough often makes it hard for them to admit they are struggling.
One in five student-athletes experiences some type of mental health concern. However, fewer than half of those who report concerns seek mental health treatment, according to a cross-sectional study published in the Journal of Athletic Training. In the study, 266 college athletes from a NCAA Division I university completed surveys. The results showed that the main barriers include stigma and the belief, “I should handle this myself.”
Whether under the bright lights of the Olympic Games or on a college field, athletes face many of the same invisible battles. Ilja Malinin’s performance was a reminder that even the best are not immune to pressure. It is important for college athletes to understand that mental health matters at every level of sport, and asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength. For more information about the counseling center or if you are experiencing mental health challenges visit https://milligan.edu/life/student-services/the-counseling-center/ or call 423-461-8500.
Photo: Freshman Jasmine McDowell giving her teammate a high five during the game against King University at Citizens Bank Stadium in Elizabethton on March, 24.