Is Your Athlete Struggling More Than They’re Letting On?
Do you ever wonder if your athlete’s stress or anxiety is more than just “part of the game”?
Many parents and coaches notice signs like:
- increased anxiety before competition
- changes in eating habits or weight concerns
- withdrawal from teammates or activities
- frustration after performance or injury
- constant pressure to be “perfect”
It can be difficult to know what is normal in sport and what may signal a deeper concern.
Athletes are often taught to push through discomfort—both physical and mental. But when it comes to mental health in youth sports, ignoring these signs can lead to more serious challenges, including performance anxiety, burnout, and eating disorders in athletes.
The good news is that early recognition and the right support can make a meaningful difference.
Many Young Athletes Face These Challenges
Mental health concerns among young athletes are more common than many people realize.
In a recent Pure Athlete podcast episode, Dr. Riley Nickols, sport psychologist and founder of Mind Body Endurance, shares insights on how parents and coaches can better support athletes navigating these challenges. You can listen to the full episode here:
👉 Listen to the Podcast Episode
Dr. Nickols explains that athletes often experience:
- performance anxiety that goes beyond normal pre-game nerves
- perfectionism that increases pressure and self-criticism
- disordered eating or eating disorders in sport
- difficulty coping with injury or time away from sport
Because athletes are conditioned to push through discomfort, they may hide or minimize these struggles.
Understanding that these challenges are common—and not a sign of weakness—can help parents and coaches respond more effectively.
How to Support Your Athlete’s Mental Health and Performance
Supporting a young athlete involves more than improving performance—it requires understanding the connection between mental health, nutrition, and sport culture.
Dr. Nickols emphasizes that athletes benefit most when support focuses on the whole person, not just results or outcomes.
Recognizing the Difference Between Nerves and Anxiety
Feeling nervous before competition is normal. However, performance anxiety may become a concern when it:
- interferes with performance
- leads to avoidance of competition
- creates overwhelming fear or distress
Helping athletes learn how to manage anxiety can improve both their well-being and performance.
Understanding the Role of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is common among athletes, but it can become problematic when:
- self-worth is tied to performance
- mistakes feel unacceptable
- pressure becomes overwhelming
Encouraging a more flexible, growth-oriented mindset can help athletes stay motivated without becoming overly self-critical.
Recognizing Signs of Eating Disorders in Athletes
Eating disorders in athletes may be difficult to detect because many behaviors can appear “normal” in sport settings.
Some warning signs include:
- changes in eating habits
- increased focus on weight or body composition
- fatigue or declining performance
- frequent injuries or slow recovery
Working with a sport psychologist or dietitian for athletes with eating disorders can help address these concerns early and effectively.
Supporting Athletes Through Injury
Injury can be one of the most challenging experiences for an athlete.
Beyond the physical impact, injuries often affect:
- identity
- confidence
- emotional well-being
Providing psychological support during recovery can help athletes return to sport with greater resilience and confidence.
Why Athlete-Specific Support Matters
Young athletes face unique pressures that require specialized care.
Working with professionals who understand sport psychology and eating disorders in athletes allows for more effective support that considers:
- performance demands
- training environments
- athlete identity
- mental and emotional well-being
Dr. Nickols highlights that addressing these factors together leads to more sustainable outcomes for both health and performance.
Supporting Your Athlete Starts With Awareness
If you are concerned about your athlete’s mental health, you are not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone either.
Recognizing early signs of performance anxiety, perfectionism, or disordered eating in sport can make a significant difference in your athlete’s well-being.
If you are looking for guidance from a professional who specializes in sport psychology or eating disorders in athletes, Dr. Nickols offers support for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating these challenges. You can reach out to schedule a consultation and learn how to better support your athlete’s mental health and performance.