Mental Health and Wellbeing: Building a Support Network

The Importance of Mental Health in Women's Sports: The Role of Support Systems

Mental health is a crucial aspect of an athlete’s overall performance and journey. Recent findings show that 38% of women’s and 22% of men’s sports participants reported feeling mentally exhausted most or every day, highlighting the mental health challenges athletes face (NCAA). This article explores the significance of mental health, relationships, and support systems in maximizing athletic performance, with a focus on female athletes.

The Role of Family and Friends

A strong support system plays a vital role in an athlete’s mental well-being. A support system is a network of people who provide emotional, practical, and social support to an individual. Studies, such as one published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, show that athletes who receive high levels of support from family and friends tend to experience lower stress levels and higher self-esteem. Additionally, a supportive environment is linked to greater satisfaction in athletic performance and the ability to manage stress effectively.

For female athletes, support from family and friends is particularly critical. Female athletes often face gender stereotypes that can negatively affect their confidence and performance. According to the Women's Sports Foundation, family members can offer support in several key ways: by being a “cheerleader” at events, actively participating in the sport, providing feedback, and exposing their children to other women’s sports events. These actions not only strengthen relationships but also help athletes feel valued and understood. One really important step that family members and friends can take is showing genuine interest in their child's sport. Engaging them in a conversation about their sport can show that family members truly care about how their child is doing and can create a passionate sports environment.

Confronting the Stigma Around Mental Health in Sports

Athletes, even more so in competitive environments, are often expected to be mentally tough as well as physically strong. However, mental health struggles can affect athletes just as much as anyone else. The stigma surrounding mental health in sports often prevents athletes from seeking help, leading to significant emotional and psychological challenges.

There are ways to prioritize mental health, even in high-pressure environments. Developing routines (daily yoga, meditation, reading, etc), seeking professional help, staying connected with loved ones, and setting realistic long-term and short-term goals are all effective strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset. Building strong relationships with family and friends helps athletes stay grounded, and knowing when to take time for self-care is essential for maintaining peak performance. In order to stay passionate about your sport, it’s important to set goals for yourself, finding specific skills to focus and improve on, in order to not get burnt out. Sports are just as much a mental game as a physical game.

Recognizing Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues

It’s crucial for both athletes and those close to them to recognize the warning signs of mental health struggles. Symptoms such as sleep disturbances, irritability, low energy, and changes in eating habits could indicate that an athlete is struggling with their mental health. Being able to identify these signs in oneself or others allows athletes to take proactive steps toward seeking help and ensuring they are mentally prepared for competition.

If an athlete is in immediate need of help, they can contact resources like:

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for anonymous crisis counseling 24/7.

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information services.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect to trained counselors.

• School counselors can also offer valuable support and advice. Here is an Email Template to reach out to your counselor. 

The Importance of Being a Supportive Teammate

Finally, teammates play a critical role in an athlete’s support system. Since teammates observe each other’s performance and behavior closely, they are often the first to notice when something is off. Building a culture of trust and open communication within a team is essential. Athletes should feel comfortable sharing when they are struggling, whether it’s physically or mentally. Senior athletes should take the initiative to foster an open environment, making it easier for newer athletes to speak up about any challenges they face. In doing so, teams can create a supportive environment where all athletes feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. As a teammate and especially as a team leader, make sure to provide your teammates with attention and respect. Team sports aren't just about individual performance, they’re about how the team works together. It’s important to make sure that you are giving every teammate the respect that they deserve, and never talk negatively about your teammates.