In light of the Olympics, a lot of attention has been paid to the recent mental health focus in athletics. A lot of attention and judgment have been directed toward Simone Biles and her choice to step out of the competition for the sake of her team. You may have even had some judgment about it, which is okay—that’s part of what this kind of topic raises in terms of discussion. In addition, you see an athlete like Michael Phelps, who has also spoken about his mental health issues and also encouraged other people to seek professional help.

There is something universal in the experience of crippling fear in the face of isolation, anxiety, and depression. High rates of depression have been identified on college campuses, particularly associated with college athletics (Shelley, 2007). In fact, depression and anxiety are disproportionately common in the athletic community (Wolanin, 2015). Yet, so many people experience the exact same symptoms every day. Part of the challenge is to be able to ask for help, which is often quite difficult. 

The point of this post is to normalize your fear. Are you concerned with how people will perceive you? Are you concerned how things will go if you fail? What about your family—are they going to be disappointed and are you worried? These are all normal thoughts, and you can get some support to work through them, particularly if you consult with a therapist. At Wellness 360, we value individual needs and viewpoints. If you would like to speak with someone in confidence, please contact us. Click here to schedule time with one of our licensed therapists.