One of the most common conditions that athletes and many others face is burnout.
What: Burnout is known as when an athlete experiences excess fatigue and declining performance, usually leading them to dislike their sport later on, and in some instances, quit playing in general. Burnout is dangerous as it causes a downward spiral in the athlete’s head, and causes them to make severe choices such as quitting their sport when they’re not in the right state of mind. It usually comes as a response to stress formed by repeated pressure linked to one’s sport, as well as overtraining and lack of physical and mental rest. Most psychological assistance for athletes is only available after or during college, however research shows that the most common ages for burnout to occur are 7-17. So most athletes end up quitting before they can even reach the level where they can finally get help
Why: Being an athlete is not easy, as sports require endless amounts of time and energy. Typical school seasons for a sport last around 3 to 5 months, and during off season practice still continues. For those in high school or university, balancing sports with academics and other extracurriculars proves to be an even bigger challenge. All these commitments can lead to overload and stress, which causes athletes to feel trapped by their circumstances. This stress takes a toll on one’s body both physically and mentally, and is a stepping stone for further mental conditions such as general anxiety and depression. While in a distressed state of mind, athletes cannot typically recognize that they might need a break, or a form of rest for either their mind or body. In fact, athletes especially feel pressure to keep going and push through, due to the environment created during practices or games. Coaches and parents typically train athletes not to give up, and keep going when it's difficult as that will lead to success. While this may be true to an extent, pushing one’s body and mind too far can lead to the serious issues mentioned before such as severe mental conditions. It is difficult to determine the correct moment when to stop and take a break, as most athletes feel as though they must win and do anything they can to be victorious. However, this sort of pressure is what pushes them to break, and their mental state to crumble. This is why it's important to recognize signs of burnout early, to prevent any further problems from occurring.
Signs: It's crucial to check in on people, and notice if there are any signs of a declining mental wellness, so you can help them immediately before it's too late. Some common signs of burnout include
Declining performance and participation, including excess fatigue
Difficulty concentrating in both academic life and athletic life
Changes in mood, such as sudden irritability and disinterest
Lowered self esteem and confidence, especially during performances
These symptoms can lead to more and more of a declining mental health for athletes, which increases the risk of certain psychological disorders.
How to Help: Physicians and trainers should notice these symptoms, and consider referring the athlete to psychological help or other forms of treatment. The most basic treatment for burnout is simply rest, as most young athletes typically do not get much of it. Research shows that ⅓ of student athletes get less than 7 hours of sleep, while the standard, recommended amount is 8-10 hours. Athletes in particular are required to wake up early for practices, and overall dedicate significantly less time to resting their body than working it. This lack of sleep causes fatigue and lack of focus, and can lead to serious health issues both physically and mentally. Coaches and parents should also be educated on burnout and other mental illness symptoms and treatments, so they can better recognize when an athlete might need help. Even taking time away from one’s sport can help, as the time apart will help the athlete regain their love for it.
Overall, burnout is a serious condition that is extremely common in young athletes. It forms from overtraining and stress, and can lead to athletes quitting their sport, as well as serious psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. It's important to address burnout early, so that athletes can continue to love their sport, and maintain a healthy mindset.
