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College athletes have always had different mental health needs. Student athletes likely struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse, but often do not seek help. This creates a huge problem where athletes are expected to perform at a high level but suffer mentally in silence.
In 2022, at least four college student-athletes committed suicide. They were all high-achieving, high-achieving student-athletes who seemed to be doing well to the knowledge of everyone around them. Their deaths left communities wondering: "Why?"
One answer is clear, and that is that athletic departments (ADs) and affiliated personnel have a responsibility to foster cultures of mental wellness rather than just athletic excellence.
Change Attempts
Athletics departments have come a long way in the last decade. Many ADs have sports psychologists on staff or affiliated therapists in counseling centers. These mental health professionals work with dieticians, physicians, strength coaches, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to provide comprehensive care to student-athletes. Without a doubt, athletic staff are working hard to increase mental health awareness and keep athletes safe. But it's not enough.
The institutional structure of athletics itself is not built for well-being. Athletes who want to play at the college level are often asked to commit to institutions as young as 14 years old. Once in college, athletes go through rigorous training and travel programs while adjusting to classes and new relationships with peers, coaches, professors and staff. Institutions benefit from the efforts of athletes in exchange for a diploma, a diploma representative of a university education with decreasing value. The pressure to achieve profits and victories surpasses any effort to achieve comprehensive health.
Staff also feel the “win at all costs” culture and rigid expectations. Athletics departments are known for rapid staff turnover and high levels of burnout. Many positions are filled and refilled each year. By the time student-athletes establish a relationship with a trusted adult, that professional could be gone next season.
These institutional structures pose real barriers to cultural change. The future is not hopeless: Athletic departments can take certain steps that emphasize athlete well-being, but it will require radical measures.
This is how we change culture
While mental health awareness is important, awareness without substantial programming cannot be expected to have a significant impact on athletes' mental health. Data on the percentage of NCAA budgets dedicated to mental health-related spending is not readily available, but mental health-related spending is unlikely to be a top priority in current budgets.
Athletics departments must dedicate significant resources (funding, time, energy) to the mental well-being of athletes. That means multiple positions for wellness staff and adequate compensation for those positions. It also means funding wellness programs that directly benefit athletes and reduce/eliminate wait times for services. These services could include individual and group therapy programs, team performance meetings, social gatherings, and small group discussions. Wellness programs should be diverse in offerings and hours to facilitate access.
It is also vital to create a mentally healthy environment where athletes feel safe. For example, it is not enough to provide superficial “check-ins” with athletes. Coaches and staff must create an environment where athletes feel safe to be truly honest about how they are doing, even when they are not doing well.
Check in frequently. Let athletes know that it is okay (possible and even positive) to feel all emotions, even when the emotions are unpleasant. Normalize how common it is to fight. Validate that college, especially college athletics, is difficult to navigate. Emphasize that vulnerability is a shared human experience. Making mistakes improves performance in the long run (and can even make us more likeable).
Don't minimize or make fun of illnesses or injuries. Do not encourage athletes to overcome physical or mental health problems. Don't promote the idea that you have to be “hurt enough” or “sick enough” to miss athletic functions or that you have to “earn” time off. Avoid promoting the idea that athletes “fake” or maximize injuries. It is important that you avoid these comments not only towards your athletes/staff, but also towards other athletes/staff. Regardless of the intended goal, athletes will hear feedback (even if it is directed at others) and internalize those messages. College athletes are mirrors of the environments that coaches and staff create.
Instead, emphasize a strong effort with plenty of time for rest and recovery (both physical and mental). Teach athletes to actively rest, that is, actively participate in wellness activities that improve well-being, such as enjoyable activities, rather than passively resting (sleeping, disconnecting). Make rest a vital and non-negotiable part of training and optimal performance. Amplify and encourage athletes' interests outside of sport.
A call to action
Student-athlete suicide rates have skyrocketed amid a national mental health crisis among teens and young adults. While efforts have been made to increase mental well-being in college athletics, much more must be done. Athletic departments must actively combat institutional barriers such as a win-at-all-costs mentality and prioritizing profits over people. Athletes can only thrive on and off the field when these systems are dismantled. Athletes cannot afford to wait.
If you or someone you love is thinking about committing suicide, get help right away. For 24/7 help, dial 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. To find a therapist near you of you, visit the Directory of Therapy of BlogDePsicología.
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