When we are reluctant to do something, or try something new, it is easy to come up with reasons to avoid it. Seeking help for a mental health concern can be one of those things that student-athletes delay, defer, or avoid altogether. Research indicates that participation in sport in high school and earlier acts as a protective factor for the student-athlete. However, as student-athletes move into the collegiate ranks, there are increased risks for alcohol abuse and other negative behaviors. Student-athletes have the same pressures and challenges as the general college student population, but also have to deal with the additional stressors inherent in being a student-athlete. Even with these added stressors, studies show that student-athletes seek out and use mental health services at a significantly lower rate than non-athlete peers. Below are some of the reasons and barriers for this troubling statistic.
Internal Barriers
- Uncertainty about what counseling is or how it might be useful.
- Embarrassment, believing they “should” be able to handle it on their own.
- Believing they can “tough it out” and it will get better.
- Fear of what others might think if they knew the student-athlete was in counseling.
- Fear that the coach may judge them as unable to play or perform and there could be a loss of playing time or role on the team.
- Desire for a “quick fix.”
External Barriers
- Time crunch – Student-athletes have very tight schedules and seeking help can easily fall low on the list of priorities. It can seem impossible sometimes to make room in the schedule for one more thing.
- They may be receiving messages from others who are influential in their lives that they shouldn’t talk to anyone about personal or private things.
- Unaware of resources and/or how to access them.
- Location of resources – Because student-athletes have very tight schedules, the more distant the mental health resource, the less likely they will be to use it.
Creating a culture in athletics where mental health issues are talked about as easily and readily as a physical injury will help to reduce the stigma. When student-athletes know that coaches, peers, friends, parents, and others will not judge them negatively for addressing their mental health, that will help them feel free to seek help when needed.
(Adapted from NCAA Mind, Body and Sport: Understanding and Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness, October 2014)
