Abstract
We assessed 16 student-athletes in their first year of college on several dimensions, including severity of psychological and physical symptoms, mental health upset, academic concerns, suicidal tendencies, depressive outlook, anxiety and tension, attention difficulties, and alcohol abuse. We assessed half during their sports’ competition season and half during their off-season. Results pointed to increased perceived stress during the down time of off season. It may be that for student-athletes, the structure of competition season offsets the stress of competition, such that when the structure is removed or lessened, perceived stress increases. Implications of these data are discussed as well as plans for developing follow-up studies.
Highlights
Mental illness in athletes, while likely occurring at a lower prevalence than the general population [1] has an important impact on athlete well-being
It may be that for student-athletes, the structure of competition season offsets the stress of competition, such that when the structure is removed or lessened, perceived stress increases
Et al, [4] reported that 21 per cent of a sample of student athletes had a history of heavy alcohol use; they further pointed to a relationship between depression and alcohol use in athletes, with the alcohol serving a self-medicating function
Summary
Mental illness in athletes (e.g., depressive or anxiety disorders), while likely occurring at a lower prevalence than the general population [1] has an important impact on athlete well-being. The demands of athletic training and competition can result in a constellation of problems such as reduced motivation, chronic fatigue, loss of confidence, reduced self-esteem, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, all of which are consistent with both overtraining and major depression. Previous research reports elevated incidences of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and eating and sleep disorders in college students [3]. Prevalence of mental disorders during this period is higher than for any other age group [7] [8]. For the college student-athlete, this could have a significant negative effect on performance, but as discussed [7], frequently results in the student dropping out of college
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