Mental Health & Athletes: A Guide to Recognizing and Supporting Mental Health Struggles
- Brynne Goldberg
- Nov 3
- 5 min read
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Understanding Mental Health Challenges in Athletes
A mental health challenge isn’t a terminal illness — and with the right care, athletes can lead full, healthy, and balanced lives.
Simply put, mental health challenges occur when emotions become so intense, frequent, or prolonged that they begin to interfere with an athlete’s ability to function — in school, relationships, and sport.
Common Mental Health Concerns in Athletes
Perfectionism
General or social anxiety
Performance anxiety
Depression
Obsessive or compulsive tendencies
Feeding or body image issues
Often, what appears as a “performance problem” is actually a mental health signal. Recognizing these early signs allows athletes, parents, and coaches to intervene before burnout or breakdown occur.
Note: This list is not comprehensive. For assessment or support, please consult a licensed clinician or contact Brynne Goldberg.
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Behavioral Warning Signs
Angry outbursts, inconsolable crying, or isolation after poor performances
Avoidance of eating or excessive eating beyond sport norms
Overtraining, excessive conditioning, or appearance fixation
Withdrawing emotionally or minimizing feelings
Difficulty connecting with teammates or friends
Poor focus or nervous habits (tapping, scratching, nail-biting)
Shortness of breath during competition that mimics an asthma attack (or what some may describe as a "panic attack")
Avoiding school, practice, hobbies, spending time with friends and family (See "Bratty" behavior below)
Verbal Warning Signs
Harsh self-criticism or comparison to others
Trouble naming or expressing emotions
Narrow definitions of success tied only to results
Guilt, shame, or feeling “misunderstood”
Difficulty defining self outside of being an athlete
Physical Warning Signs
Chronic muscle tension, headaches, or fatigue
Frequent illness or injuries around stressful events
Significant weight fluctuations
Sleep or appetite disturbances
Symptoms of burnout or overtraining
Other Signs and Contributing Patterns
Perfectionism and people-pleasing
“As-Soon-As Syndrome”: “Once I win, I’ll finally relax.”
Rumination and worst-case-scenario thinking
ADHD-like distractibility (note: anxiety can mimic ADHD — correct diagnosis matters)
Common Catalysts
Family or relational dysfunction
Trauma, injury, or career transition
Retirement or graduation stress
Critical coaching environments or favoritism
Major disappointments or losses
Misconceptions vs. Realities About Anxiety
Myths
Anxiety only means panic attacks or phobias
It’s rare or permanent
It’s totally separate from stress or burnout
Reality
Everyone experiences anxiety — often daily. Most signs aren’t visible, and many athletes normalize their symptoms as “just pressure.” Anxiety is not weakness; it’s often a sign of an overloaded nervous system in a high-pressure environment.
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When “Bratty” Behavior Is Actually Distress in Disguise
It’s easy to misinterpret certain behaviors in adolescents — especially athletes — as “bratty,” “lazy,” or “defiant.” But often, what looks like attitude is actually a signal of distress.
When young people don’t yet have the emotional vocabulary or self-regulation skills to express what they’re feeling, their discomfort often surfaces through behavior instead of words. In these cases, acting out is rarely about manipulation — it’s communication.
Common Signs of Underlying Distress
Behaviors that may seem oppositional or dramatic can actually be the body and mind’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed, hurt, or anxious, and I don’t know how to tell you.”This might look like:
Avoiding school, practice, or competitions
Withdrawing from family or refusing to socialize with friends
Isolating or losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
Appearing “checked out,” irritable, or overly sensitive to feedback
Adopting a victim stance (“Everyone’s against me,” “No one understands”)
These reactions often stem from internal overload — anxiety, shame, perfectionism, pressure, fear of failure, or relational stress. For adolescents, the nervous system can become so overstimulated that they default to withdrawal, resistance, or emotional volatility.
What They’re Really Communicating
At the root, these behaviors usually translate to:
“I don’t feel safe or understood right now.”
“I’m scared I’m disappointing you.”
“Something feels too big for me to handle.”
“I need help, but I don’t know how to ask.”
How to Respond
Instead of matching their frustration with your own, pause and get curious. The goal isn’t to fix the behavior immediately — it’s to understand what it’s trying to say.
You might say:
“It seems like something feels really hard right now.”
“I’ve noticed you’ve been skipping practice — what’s that been like for you?”
“It’s okay if you’re not sure how to explain it. I’m here to listen.”
Approaching with calm curiosity, rather than criticism, helps the adolescent’s nervous system regulate. Over time, they internalize that emotions can be explored, not suppressed — and that adults can be safe allies rather than additional sources of pressure.
Bridging Understanding to Communication
Recognizing that “bratty” or avoidant behavior is often a form of communication helps reframe how we respond. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with them?” we can begin asking, “What’s happening for them?” Once we see behavior as information rather than opposition, we can meet the athlete with empathy instead of frustration.
This is where intentional communication becomes essential. Simple tools like validation, reflective listening, and open-ended questions can transform tense moments into meaningful connection — and help athletes feel seen, supported, and safe enough to open up.
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Communication & Support Tips
Keep It Simple — and Ask
Instead of guessing how someone feels or how to help, remember:
Validate + Reflect + Ask
Validate: “That sounds really tough/disappointing.
”Reflect: “It sounds like you felt overlooked after that run.
”Ask:
“How did that make you feel?”
“What do you need right now?”
“How can I support you?”
These small shifts build safety, trust, and connection.
The Six Main Types of Support
Listening: Being present and nonjudgmental.
Validating: Affirming emotions and experiences.
Advising: Offering perspective when asked.
Fixing: Collaborating on solutions when appropriate.
Miscellaneous: Shared activities like walking, resting, or watching a movie.
Space: Allowing time to cool down and regulate before problem-solving.
“I can see you’re really upset right now. That’s okay — I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.”
What Not to Say
Avoid phrases like:
“Get over it.”
“Don’t cry.”
“You’re better than this.”
“Don’t be weak.”
Telling athletes how they should feel is invalidating and damages trust. Validation, on the other hand, builds emotional awareness, self-confidence, and resilience — all crucial to performance under pressure.
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Tips for Coaches & Parents
Know your athletes. Learn their personalities and preferred communication styles early in the season.
Avoid critique right after competition. Let emotions settle first.
Balance feedback. Reinforce what went well alongside what needs improvement.
Model emotional regulation. Show that feelings are part of the human (and athletic) experience.
Regularly check in on life outside of sport.
Monitor your own anxiety. Don’t project it onto athletes.
Athletes thrive when high standards are paired with high emotional safety. The goal isn’t to remove emotion from sport — it’s to harness it productively.
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Final Thought
Mental health and performance health are inseparable. When athletes feel emotionally safe, supported, and understood, they not only perform better — they grow into more balanced, self-aware humans on and off the field.
If you notice these signs in yourself, your child, or your athletes, you’re not alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
🧠 Learn more: Explore Peak Pursuits Therapy & Coaching Services to support mental wellness and performance growth.
About the Author
Brynne Goldberg, LPC is among the first to integrate principles of sport psychology with insight-oriented psychoanalytic & psychodynamic therapy, alongside evidence-based modalities to help athletes & high achievers learn to manage anxiety, uncover its root causes, & create lasting transformation — both in performance & in life.
Her comprehensive approach treats the whole person—not just the performer—and addresses challenges across all areas of life because a career isn’t always just a job—it’s a reflection of who you are. And sport isn’t just a hobby—it’s an identity.
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