Welcome
A closer look into the mental health crisis in student athletes
Research done by CU student athletes Hunter Sarro and Justin Stairs
The Hard Truth
Student athletes at Castleton and all over the country are in the midst of a mental health crisis. Post COVID, mental health has been at an all-time low for many students and more specifically student athletes. Our goal is to break the stigma on talking about these issues and reaching out for help.
What are we worried about?
The Stats (CU student athletes)
- 38% experience anxiety of some kind
- 40% experience depression
- 25% suffer from SEVERE depression
- 22% have had suicidal thoughts
- 43% have had a mental health diagnosis
Experience
As student athletes ourselves, we know the feeling of being stressed, depressed, overwhelmed, or even all three at once all too well. But often times these student athletes are pushed aside and are expected to deal with these problems on our own. We are supposed to perform at the highest level every single day and still succeed in the classroom all while trying to have a social life and be a college student. Often times we are not supplied with adequate help surrounding these problems and most of the time, others aren't even aware we are dealing with this.
What can we do?
It is important to understand that you are not alone when feeling like this. It is also important as a coach or a teammate to recognize when someone else is struggling. Often times student athletes fail to seek support because they fear they may look weak or incapable. But reaching out for help and taking care of your mind is one of the bravest things you can do. It is important we recognize all the stress that is put on us as student athletes and it is important to know that there people who can help. It is important you inform a coach or a leader or anybody that can help if you or someone you notice is struggling with their mental health.