Chandler Venzant is a former athlete with over 10 years of competitive sports experience. Now passionate about athlete wellness and personal development, Chandler writes about the importance of mental health and performance, drawing from firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the pressures athletes face.
At some point, almost every athlete has been told, “You’re not tired, it’s all mental,” but most forget to state the real facts: what if I am mentally tired? On top of trying to perform at their potential, many must balance school. An athlete’s mental performance is just as important as their physical performance.
At a young age, athletes are instilled to be the best. That often creates pressure and can create the start of anxiety. In an NCAA Student-Athlete Mental Health and Wellness Study completed in December 2023, research indicates that up to 44% of student-athletes reported experiencing mental health symptoms on a daily basis. Mental health struggles in athletics are real, often overlooked, and deserve the same attention and support as physical injuries.
When asked what mental health strategies or routines help him stay focused and resilient, University of Central Arkansas running back Manny Smith said, “It is overwhelming at times. Opening and being honest because someone else is going through the same thing. There is strength in numbers.”
By sharing his struggles and recognizing that others face similar challenges, Smith highlights the power of support, reminding athletes that vulnerability can be a source of strength in the journey to mental wellness.
In my two years of being a collegiate athlete, I noticed my spike in anxiety and depression due to wanting to perform to my top ability for others’ expectations. After so long, lines get blurred, distinguishing between personal passion and the pressure to meet external expectations, making it difficult to prioritize mental well-being over performance.
As athletes get more professional, the less they are seen as real people. I asked Julius Burse, professional European league basketball player, what is one thing you wish people understood about the mental health of athletes?
“We have emotions, feelings, and concerns as far as life, too,” he said. “We aren’t all getting paid millions of dollars; some of us grind in a different way. Just because we are good at a sport we like doesn’t mean we are different in any other way. We are human.”
Julius’s words serve as a powerful reminder that, beyond their athletic abilities, athletes are human beings who face real struggles. Going through what life can throw at you comes with emotion that can be heightened with expectational pressure.
Pouring everything into a sport and only being recognized for the physical can take a significant toll on athletes’ mental health. It is important to acknowledge that they are more than just competitors. They are human beings who need support, understanding, and resources to be even better.
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