Mental Health and the Youth Athlete

In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-10) and World Mental Health Day on October 10, wanted to share a timely and intriguing story focusing on a crucial issue that's often overlooked: mental health in youth athletes. Last year a study found that around 60% of all high school athletes experienced a moderate to an extreme level of stress due to their sport, and a quarter reported stress negatively affecting their performance.

Saire Davis, a two-time author and former Division 1 athlete, has dedicated his career to instilling the importance of mental toughness and confidence in athletes. He has worked with numerous sports, including softball and football, and has recently focused on mentoring women’s lacrosse players. Saire has guided over 10 USA Lacrosse All-Americans and helped more than 100 athletes earn scholarships through his approach to mindset and skills development.

Today, youth athletes face immense pressures that can affect their self-esteem and self-worth, often determined by coaches, playing time, and their success on the field. These student-athletes are constantly evaluated, which leads to increased levels of anxiety both on and off the field. A 2019 study found that about 35% of elite athletes report mental health concerns, with burnout, depression, and anxiety being the most common issues.

Below are the top five reasons contributing to mental burnout, along with statistics shared by Saire Davis, founder of the Saire Davis Academy. His insights underscore the importance of mentorship programs in addressing these challenges and helping athletes thrive:

1. High Expectations and Pressure to Perform
   • Stat: Over 33% of college athletes report feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of their sport (NCAA).
   • Explanation: Many athletes bear the weight of expectations from coaches, peers, and themselves, leading to chronic stress and anxiety.
2. Lack of Mental Resilience Training
   • Stat: 40% of athletes do not receive formal mental skills training, which prevents them from coping effectively with stress (ACSM).
   • Explanation: A lack of training heightens vulnerability to burnout when faced with obstacles.
3. Comparing Themselves to Others
   • Stat: 50% of athletes frequently compare themselves to peers, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy (Journal of Athletic Training).
   • Explanation: Constant comparisons can erode self-esteem and increase stress.
4. Overtraining and Lack of Recovery Time
   • Stat: 70% of athletes believe they do not get enough rest for proper recovery (NSCA).
   • Explanation: Insufficient recovery contributes to physical injuries and mental exhaustion.
5. Isolation from Social Support Networks
   • Stat: 60% of athletes report feeling isolated due to the demands of their sport (Journal of Sports Sciences).
   • Explanation: The rigorous training schedules often impede social interactions vital for emotional well-being.

Saire Davis is the founder of Saire Davis Academy, a two-time author, and a former Division 1 athlete. He has committed his career to teaching athletes the importance of mental toughness and confidence. With a degree from Charleston Southern University in Sport Psychology and Kinesiology, Saire provides invaluable insights into overcoming adversity and achieving personal growth. Throughout his career, he has mentored athletes from top schools and organizations, coached over 10 USA Lacrosse All-Americans, and guided more than 100 lacrosse athletes in Georgia to earn scholarships. At Saire Davis Academy, we believe every athlete has the potential to achieve greatness, and we focus on fostering a strong mindset to build resilience for success.