We all love cheering on youth and teen athletes as they chase their dreams and conquer the field. But behind the trophies and the cheers, there's a side to youth and teen sports that's not often talked about: the mental and emotional challenges they face. Hormonally, teen athletes are undergoing sudden body changes often leading to body image struggles and even body dysmorphia. Additionally, they often experience anxiety about talking about their body and emotional health struggles which can lead to feeling along and isolated and can be at increased risk for disordered eating or eating disorders.
Feeling the Heat:
Youth and teen athletes experience immense pressure to excel in their chosen sports by coaches, parents and even themselves. Whether it's the expectation to win championships, earn college scholarships, or achieve person bests, the weight of these aspirations can be overwhelming at a time their brain and hormones are still developing. This relentless pursuit of success often leads to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and, in some cases, depression.
Mirror, Mirror:
In the sports world, how you look can be just as important as how you perform. For many teen athletes, that means they become preoccupied with their bodies, aiming for that "perfect" image linked to their sport. This obsession can turn into what's called body dysmorphia, where you're totally focused on imagined flaws in your appearance. It's not just a little self-consciousness; it's a mental health issue that can interfere with their daily life.
Signs to Keep an Eye Out For:
Knowing the warning signs of both body dysmorphia and mental health issues like disordered eating or eating disorders:
Being Way Too Hard on Themselves: If they're constantly criticizing their appearance or performance to the point of self-loathing, that's a red flag.
Pulling Away from Friends: Isolation from friends, teammates, and family can be a sign that something's up.
Behavior Changes: Big shifts in eating habits, workout routines, or substance use could be a sign of underlying issues.
Talks of Hopelessness: Statements like "I can't go on like this" or "I'm better off gone" should never be taken lightly.
Sports performance or health changes: A decrease in their previous sports skills or performances and/or noticeable body or health changes from the Pediatrician or even a coach’s concern.
Lending a Hand:
Tackling these issues in youth and teen athletes requires paying close attention. Here’s some tips on what to do:
Talk It Out: Create a safe space where they feel comfortable talking about their feelings, even if it's hard to get them sharing at first, be patient and establish a non-judgemental conversational space.
Learn More: Coaches, parents, mentors—everyone involved should know the signs of body dysmorphia and disordered eating or eating disorders. Knowledge is power when it comes to offering support.
Mental Health Pros: Make sure to find a mental health professional or sports psychologist who gets the unique challenges young and teen athletes face.
Well-Rounded Growth: Stress that it's not just about sports success. Encourage them to explore interests outside of their sport to build a strong self-identity.
No Shame in Help: Let's remove the stigma around mental health challenges. Going to therapy or counseling shouldn't be seen as a weakness but as a tool for personal growth.
They are not alone:
Youth and teen athletes should never feel alone in their struggles. By keeping the lines of communication open, educating ourselves and others, and offering support, we can help these young champs build not just strong bodies but also resilient minds. Together, we can champion mental health in youth sports, making sure their pursuit of excellence doesn't come at the cost of their happiness and well-being. 🏆🧠