Addressing an Epidemic: How mental health effects athletes lives outside of sports, and what we can do to help.

Being an athlete comes with a pressure that most people never see. And if you don’t have the right support system, those struggles don’t just stay in the game—they follow you into everyday life. The pressure of being a student-athlete goes far beyond the game. Add in personal struggles, family challenges, and the weight of injuries, and it can feel overwhelming—sometimes even make or break an athlete. That’s why the right academic environment, supportive teachers, caring coaches, and genuine peers matter so much more than favoritism on or off the court. It’s about building a foundation strong enough to carry them through life, not just through sports.

Texas is one of the most competitive states in the country when it comes to high school sports. But the reality is this—only about 6–7% of athletes go on to play in college, and less than 1% make it to the pros. While athletics drive many high school programs, what’s often missing is an equal focus on academics and mental health. And in the long run, those are the tools that truly prepare student-athletes for life beyond the game.

Injury statistics

According to a 2023 study covering high school sports injuries from 2015 to 2019:

• Over 5 million sports injuries were recorded nationally among high school athletes in a four-year period.

• The overall injury rate was approximately 2.29 injuries per 1,000 athlete-exposures, with the rate significantly higher during competition compared to practice.

• Most common injuries include sprains/strains (36.8%) and concussions (21.6%).

• Most frequently injured body sites are the head/face (24.2%), ankle (17.6%), and knee (14.1%).

• Highest injury rates by sport were found in football (3.96 per 1,000 athlete-exposures), girls' soccer (2.65), and boys' wrestling (2.36).

• Higher severity of injuries has been noted in recent years, with about 20% of injuries causing athletes to miss their sport for the remainder of the season or longer. 

Mental health statistics

Recent research and surveys highlight the prevalence of mental health struggles among high school athletes:

• Widespread stress: One 2023 study found that approximately 91% of high school athletes experienced some level of sport-related stress, and 58% reported a moderate to extreme amount of stress.

• Depression and anxiety:

  • One study reported that 21.4% of athletes experienced clinically significant symptoms of depression.

  • In 2019, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) reported that 31.9% of adolescents have some form of an anxiety disorder.

• Pandemic impact: Data showed that after the cancellation of sports in Spring 2020, 40% of adolescent athletes reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression. While competition has resumed, pre-pandemic depression rates have not reverted to baseline levels.

• Barriers to care: Athletes often face a stigma surrounding mental health that discourages seeking help, with one survey finding that many athletes wanted support but did not receive it.

• Gender differences: Female athletes are more likely to experience mental health issues. Studies have found that they are significantly more prone to stress due to fear of failure and social judgment. 

The link between injury and mental health

The two issues are often interconnected. The psychological toll of an injury can lead to mental health problems, and existing mental health issues can impact athletic performance and potentially increase the risk of injury. An injury can trigger a range of emotions, including depression, anxiety, isolation, and stress over future performance. 

In Conclusion, why is it so important for athletes to have a strong support system? Because sports don’t last forever. The truth is, no matter how talented, every athlete’s playing days eventually come to an end—whether it’s after high school, college, or even at the professional level. Having the right foundation of family, coaches, teachers, and peers means they’re not just preparing for the next game, but for the rest of their lives. A strong support system helps athletes navigate the pressures, the setbacks, the injuries, and the tough decisions, while also building confidence, character, and resilience. Sports may shape who they are, but it’s the people around them who prepare them for life after the final whistle.