Discussing mental health can be a taboo subject for student-athletes

By Gabe Perry
Staff writer
IG: gabep_24

Mental health in athletes is one of the most overlooked topics when it comes to sports.

Over 33% of college athletes have some sort of mental health struggle, and they often don’t get the help they need.

It’s important that everyone raises awareness to the topic, so that athletes who are struggling feel heard and seek the help they need.

Understanding athletes’ stories and how their mental health takes a toll on them is important. With hundreds of athletes attending Hutchinson Community College, there are hundreds of stories. Some of those stories are difficult to tell, and because of that, this story will protect the identity of the Blue Dragon athlete.

“I first started struggling with mental health when I entered middle school,” said the Hutch CC athlete, who wished to remain anonymous. “It definitely started when social media became a thing and with friends and trying to fit in … and a lot of people are struggling with it, but it isn’t talked about as much as it should be.”

Sports have always been viewed as something fun for young people. As athletes get older, there is more and more pressure to perform in their sport.

Mental health is serious, and could possibly affect athletic performance.

“It definitely takes a toll on my athletic performance, because a lot of times I find my identity in my sport, and if I don’t do good, it definitely takes a toll on my mental health and all aspects of life,” the athlete said. “We put a lot of pressure on ourselves as athletes, so we definitely put our mental health aside and put our performance as a priority.”

Finding the right fit when it comes to sports is key. Whether that’s coaches, teammates, etc.

“I think that playing a sport definitely can make you have low points and really struggle with your mental health. But I’ve also learned that the right teammates and the right coaches will really improve and help you have a better mental space.”

There is always “the right fit” when it comes to athletics.

No matter what you are going through, or how hard it gets, there will always be someone there to listen and to help.

“Some tips I would give to other athletes struggling with mental health is definitely finding other things in life that they enjoy and not putting so much pressure on themselves, and knowing that their sport doesn’t define who they are,” the Blue Dragon said.

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