Keys to an Elevated Life:
IS YOUR STUDENT ATHELETE AT GREATER RISK FOR INJURY?
Every child is faced with challenges as they develop socially, academically and physically. As a parent, we are always thinking about how to protect our children. Parents of a student athlete spend even more time thinking about this issue. Experiencing good mental health is not any different from other health related challenges as children develop. A connection between physical and mental health has been found. Studies have shown that depression, anxiety, abuse of substances and or those who suffer from eating disorders are at greater risk for injury. When an athlete experiences an injury, their performance will be directly impacted by their mental health wellbeing. An athlete may experience longer periods needed to recover from an injury when their mental health is compromised. Similar to the body’s immune system, when under stress, it is at greater risk for catching a cold or more prone to viruses, the mental wellbeing of an athlete can protect against illness or the threat of an injury.
It must be stated, that mental health is on a spectrum, there is not a specific point where mental health resides, instead, it can fall within a broader context of wellbeing and can present itself differently from person to person. Various signs and symptoms may present themselves when an athlete is experiencing mental health challenges, such as changes in sleep patterns, changes in academic performance, appearance of physical complaints or even changes in mood. Mental health is a significant component of a student athletes overall performance. Similar to an annual physical and periodic wellness checks, a student athlete is best served to undergo mental health screenings and check-in to support overall mental and physical health and optimal performance. Proactive parents of student athletes will ensure that coaches, teachers, student liaisons, school site counselors and all involved in their child’s athletic career will be conscientious of their student’s mental health wellbeing.