Athletes love their sport, dedicating years to being the absolute best, or even just striving for a second-place medal. However, what happens when their sport becomes a burden?
Throughout their career, athletes can face significant mental and psychological challenges: mental health struggles, limited support, and especially injuries. This can result in diminishing their passion for the sport. These challenges are not uncommon, according to The American College of Sports and Medicine, 35-40% of professional and college athletes struggle with their mental health. Disorders like anxiety and depression are the most common. Criticism from fans can similarly have an effect on their mental health.
An infamous instance of the psychological effects of prolonged athletic commitment is former NFL star Aaron Hernandez, who played tight end for the New England Patriots. He was diagnosed with stage three chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease resulting from repeated head injuries, commonly seen in contact sports such as football. After years of football and sustaining multiple brain injuries, Hernandez’s playing ability remained largely intact, but his cognitive function, mood, and personality were significantly affected.
Just as professional athletes are put under a great deal of pressure, student athletes are as well. Many students struggle with managing stress, grades and interpersonal conflicts. Many student-athletes emphasized how the academic workload often poses difficulties.
Former student-athletes, seniors Bree Rosillo and Anthony Verduzco, faced many challenges during their sports careers.
Rosillo cheered for 11 years, and 10 seasons, but she realized her heart did not chase the same passion her six-year-old self did; trying her hardest, pushing herself to the fullest, and feeling joy while on the mat.
“I stopped cheering because I realized that mental challenges require quiet reflection and strength, not just loud encouragement,” said Rosillo. She realized receiving support from peers and staff meant personal conversations were needed, not short phrases of encouragement and team meetings.
“I didn’t quit playing because I stopped loving it, I quit because I outgrew the version of myself who played,” said Verduzco.
Rosillo and Verduzco both revealed feeling supported by teammates and family but not coaches and staff.
Quitting a sport was no easy choice for either of them, but after reflecting on their past and considering the future, both Verduzco and Rosillo decided to focus on getting an after-school job and saving money.
Overall, being an athlete is a commitment that comes with both advantages and challenges. Regardless of how advanced or talented someone is, their mental health remains just as important. While some athletes may end their careers due to mental health struggles, others may continue competing.
But everyone, athlete or not, deserves support for their mental well-being.