The goal of elite sport is to get the best possible results. Every new generation of sportsmen strives to propel themselves to greater levels and break records made by their ancestors. But what effect does this continual barrage of stress and anticipation have on a young athlete’s psychological health? When young athletes want assistance, do they say things? And what assistance is provided?
Elite young athletes are subjected to regular arduous training regimens in order to achieve the potential implied by their exceptional natural skill. They are generally coached by a skilled coach, medical staff, and close family and friends to attain their aims.
This network is designed to serve as an athletic and emotional support network. Yet, it may sometimes lead to a high degree of expectation being put on the heads of young athletes.
It’s difficult to estimate the impact of mental and emotional health issues in sports. Bearing in mind (1) the stigmatization with attempting to speak out in the sporting culture in which top athletes are entangled, and (2) the study indicating a positive relationship between physical exercise and the prevention and association with mental health issues. According to American research, 21.4 percent of top athletes showed clinical signs of depression, opposed to 29.2 percent of the general populace of the same age (18-25 years old). This is in sharp contrast to previous studies that show young top athletes had similar or greater rates of mental health disorders than the general population. This blog highlights the following points to assist bring attention to the critical problem of young athletes’ mental health:
Typical risk factors for student-athletes suffering from mental health difficulties, coping techniques, and possible hurdles to professional treatment are all discussed.
Common risk factors
Intrinsic and extrinsic variables are two types of probabilities of developing mental health disorders. Some exceptional athletes have a solely athletic sense of self-worth, which is frequently based on their results. If they accomplish below expectations, their identity and confidence may suffer, perhaps leading to mental health difficulties. Due to the continual quest for greater achievement in both practice and competition, it is normal for an exceptional young athlete to acquire a perfectionist mentality, which can lead to increased worry, stress, sadness, and tiredness. These “ideal” rates of physical exercise can promote mental health, but at a top level, overload, accidents, and undue strain on the player can impair mental health.
Parents and coaches have a significant effect on the well-being of a young athlete. Pressure from parents raised feelings of stress and lowered desire in their junior athlete, according to the research. Nearly a third of parents admitted to making unpleasant verbal remarks to their junior athletes, perhaps causing emotional stress and exhaustion. According to Alexander et al, over a third of young elite athletes experienced psychological damage as a result of their trainers’ behaviors, such as yelling, making harsh remarks about their skills, and attempting to intimidate them.
Coping strategies
There are techniques that might help elite young athletes with psychological problems. Players, for instance, should work with their parents and coaches to create a stress coping strategy. This can include things like (1) mind control, (2) meditation, (3) cognitive development, and (4) seeking help—all of which enhance objective and subjective accomplishment while lowering the prevalence of psychological harm. Parents and coaches should focus on the athlete’s mindset and commitment rather than on his or her performance.
Finally, mental health concerns are frequent among elite young athletes. Demand from parents and coaches, as well as sustaining an athlete’s “genius level” image, are all significant causes. Future steps include ensuring that all young athletes have individualized coping skills for dealing with stress and that they are relaxed and confident asking for assistance.