Most student-athletes are effectively able to manage the stressors they experience being both a student and an athlete, without any long-term consequence to their mental well-being. Everyone has “bad days.” Therefore, it is generally useful to look at patterns of thoughts and/or behavior, not just one or two isolated events, to determine if a student-athlete is experiencing significant distress and could benefit from a referral to a mental health counselor. Those closest to the student-athlete, such as teammates, friends, athletic trainers, coaches, academic support staff and parents are in a position to notice when something is “going on” that is out of the norm for him/her. Below are some behaviors and symptoms that may indicate a psychological concern. The list is not all inclusive.
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of interest or participation in things he/she is usually interested in
- Loss of motivation
- Withdrawing/isolating from social contact
- Irritable, edgy, impatient, argumentative
- Deterioration in appearance and/or hygiene
- Negative self-talk
- Excessive worry or fear
- Loss of enjoyment in activities previously found to be enjoyable
- Irresponsibility, lying
- Mood swings or lack of emotion
- Feeling out of control
- Physical complaints not related to sport injury
- Unexplained wounds or deliberate self-harm
- Unhealthy weight control practices (e.g., restrictive dieting, binge eating, over-exercising, self-induced vomiting, or abuse of laxative, weight loss supplements and diuretics)
- Overuse injuries, unresolved injuries, or continually being injured
- Talking about death, dying or “going away”
It is important to be aware of what the student-athlete’s typical or usual demeanor and behavior are, so any changes can be compared and concerns can be flagged and addressed.
(Adapted from University of Michigan Athletes Connected)
