If you’re a college athlete, maintaining your physical health and fitness is likely a top priority. While physical health is important, maintaining your mental health can be just as essential. As an athlete, you may face unique mental health challenges. One cross-sectional study of university students found that more than half of students experience academic burnout. College athletes are often vulnerable to burnout due to packed calendars and strenuous training. Balancing constant practice meetings and demanding game schedules with your academics and personal life might make you feel overwhelmed. When navigating the hurdles of being a college athlete, prioritizing your mental health is key. Learning how to manage your mental health can help you stay energetic, motivated and emotionally balanced through each semester.

6 top mental health tips for college athletes

• Build a support system — Managing your mental health can be a lot harder when you’re doing it alone. Having a reliable support system can make a big difference. Support comes in many forms. Your mental health support system might include your parents, professors, friends and teammates. Connect with people who can provide guidance and the emotional support you need. Knowing you’re not alone can create a sense of belonging, motivation and reassurance. When you’re building your support system, utilizing online resources can be helpful. Online mental health support groups may play a pivotal role in your mental health journey.
• Prioritize sleep — Being an athlete can be physically and mentally exhausting. To recover and maintain your energy, rest is essential. As a student-athlete, make sure to prioritize your sleep. Try sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends. Avoid coffee, energy drinks and other sources of caffeine late in the day. Create a bedtime routine that helps you get to sleep on time. Taking these steps can help you feel more rested and refreshed. As a result, you may notice big improvements in your focus and mood.
• Set achievable goals — Setting realistic goals can help you maintain your mental health when everything feels chaotic. If you’re not sure where to start, you can work with a psychotherapist to identify goals that are important to you. These goals might relate to your academics, your sport, your personal development or other aspects of your life. You can then break these goals down into smaller, actionable milestones. As you work toward your goals, celebrate each win. Having achievable, measurable goals can help you stay motivated and avoid burnout.
• Stay nourished — Good nutrition fuels your body and mind. When your body has the nutrients it needs, you might feel more physically energized, mentally focused and emotionally stable. There are plenty of ways you can improve your nutrition. One key tip is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can come with a lot of negative effects. You can also improve your diet by planning out balanced meals and getting healthy, nutrient-rich snacks.
• Find time for other activities — Athletics can be very time consuming. As a college athlete, you may feel like your sport is taking over your life. Spending all your time and energy on one activity, however much you enjoy it, can eventually lead to physical and emotional burnout. Finding time for other activities can give your mind a much-needed change of pace. Look for outlets that bring you joy and benefit your mental health. You might want to pick up a creative hobby like painting, writing or playing an instrument. You could also join a college club or spend more time in nature. Whatever your interests, exploring activities outside of your sport can come with major mental health benefits.
• Seek help when you need it — If you think you might need extra support in managing your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help. Early intervention can be key to effectively addressing mental health symptoms. As a college student, you may be able to utilize on-campus mental health resources. You can also look into therapy. If you need more comprehensive support, you may benefit from an intensive treatment program. Some programs, such as Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs, offer effective treatment designed to accommodate your schedule and personal needs.

Get mental health treatment tailored to your needs at Lightfully U

At Lightfully U, we provide treatment tailored to the mental health needs of college students. We offer multiple levels of care for clients with different conditions and treatment needs. Our treatment framework is centered around our Precision Care Model (PCM). You can think of PCM as a treatment plan designed just for you, using the most effective aspects of evidence-based treatments to deliver great results. We’re committed to providing each client with the treatments and support they need to succeed.

Change is possible. If you think you might benefit from professional mental health treatment, contact us. We’ll explore your options and take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.