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The Benefits of Athletics and Exercise
25%
Decrease in Suffering From Depression
12%
Decrease in Suicidal Ideation
As shown above, sports and exercise positively impact youth’s mental health. They allow students to do better in the following:
Academically
Socially
Cognitively
3.5 Million Children and Teens are Injured Each Year.
With sports providing a positive impact on mental health, injury has a negative effect on youth mentally.
Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disturbances
Restlessness
Disordered Eating
Reduced Confidence
Since injury disrupts a youth athlete’s activity in their sport, a major source of positivity is stripped away from the individual. Many youths combine sports with their identity, so when injury removes their ability to participate in the sport, it becomes a heavy blow to the individual. This catalyzes and causes the symptoms above, and eventually, can lead to actions like substance abuse.
13x Increase of Suffering a Second ACL Tear when Fearful
With higher levels of stress, the length of recovery can also lengthen.
Stigma and Lack of Guidance
10% of College Athletes with Mental Health Conditions seek care from a Mental Health Professional
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58% of Mental Health goes untreated and undetected
Since many youths lack full maturity, many have not confronted failure and setbacks, making an injury’s impact more profound. However, instead of seeking help, many don’t since there is a stigma that finding assistance and support is weak-minded. Therefore, many individuals don’t address their mental health and continue training through the pain of an injury.
How can we Help?
Imagery
Goal Setting
Social Support
Positive Self-Talk
Relaxation
Mindfulness
Youth athletes need to understand emotional struggles are OK, and it is encouraged to seek help from qualified individuals when needed.
If you want to help or educate yourself more about the subject, look at the following resources. Let's help youth athletes return to their sports seamlessly while prioritizing their mental health.
Contact Us
- Contact Page
- contact@theathletesmind.org