College Athletes: A Cry for Help

There is such a stigma out there that athletes have it all. They are supposed to be seen as the people that have everything together. The thing is, this is far from the truth. The feeling of perfection is a feeling that follows athletes around everywhere. Perfection around academics, jobs, and in their sport. While this feeling of perfection follows us around, it is nearly impossible to achieve. No one can achieve perfection in any aspect of their lives. So many athletes have lost their lives to suicide because of these extraneous circumstances. This blog is to look at why mental health is important to not only the whole population, but athletes as well. We will look at not only statistics behind athlete mental health, but also personal stories shared by parents of athletes that lost their life to suicide.

For a lot of athletes that have lost their life to suicide, there were no warning signs. They were performing at their all time high in academics, at their jobs, and on the field. They seemed to be at the top of their game, until all of the sudden they were gone. Now after the pandemic, the NCAA survey shows that athletes are 2x more likely to experience high amounts of anxiety and depression. As an athlete myself, I understand this feeling. The feeling of drowning in everything and having no way to take a break. It is exhausting and feels daunting.

The rise is suicides among student athletes leaves everyone in fear. You think if these successful athletes died by suicide, who is next? Especially when there are no warning signs for a lot of athletes. One thing that a lot of people do not understand, including the NCAA, is that the anxiety and overwhelming feeling that college athletes experience is unique and not the same that regular college students experience. For college athletes, the constant workouts, practice, and limits on social interaction can lead to exhaustion and isolation. These are two key factors that can lead to an increase in risk for suicide.

A feeling that I am all too familiar with is the feeling of keeping up the great performance after a record breaking tournament or season. The feeling of keeping that state of perfection up in every tournament is unrealistic and not possible; however, that is what it feels like needs to be done. Katie Meyers is an example of an athlete that died by suicide March 1st, 2022. Katie was a division 1 soccer player at Stanford University. She was fresh off of a national championship where she played a huge part in their win as the goalie. While from the outside perspective it looked like she had it all, just days later Katie died by suicide. This just goes to show that just because someone seems great on the outside does not mean that they are not struggling on the inside.

Some aspects that play into suicidal ideation for college athletes has to do with limited spots on a team and scholarships on the line. I am a Division 3 athlete, so I do not have to worry about scholarships; however, I know all too well the feeling of so desperately wanting to make the travel team. This constant pressure and having all eyes on you is beyond exhausting. It feels like there is nowhere to take a break. Even when you get in bed, you are thinking about mechanics and workouts and how to improve. It is a never-ending cycle that seems inescapable, and sometimes an athlete will do anything to make that cycle stop.

For any athlete out there who is struggling and considering suicide, think about your life beyond college. Think about what you are working towards in your degree. A job beyond your sport. You are so much more than your sport. Your statistics within your sport do not define you. When it does feel like too much sometimes, it is ok to reach out for help. It does not show weakness or show that you are giving up, it shows strength and wisdom. Reaching out for help takes a strong person. Know that it can get better and you can get through this tough time. It is possible and you can do hard things.

Written by Teagan Fritts