Athletes have it hard with the training, the stress of winning games, and juggling life, such as family or even school. Sometimes the stress gets too hard for them, and they can drop into a deep depression or the complete opposite, and become angry or do something they regret later.
I think every athlete, even the ones in high school and in college, should undergo mandatory health screenings at least once a month. Make sure they don’t have high stressors, make sure they are doing well at home, and help if they need medicine. Injuries can mess with mental health because the player could think that they are not good enough or feel useless because they can’t play.
They could not be emotionally available to their family, and that could lead to depression or high anxiety. Even just the stress of winning the game can be hard, and the coach might be yelling at them, and that does more harm than good. Coaches should have to take a mental health screening as well to make sure they are not verbally abusive to their players and stay positive to try to bring their spirits up rather than down.
Mental health can be a very controversial topic, and even more so for athletes. Fans don’t want to hear about how their favorite player on a team is taking a break for mental health, because they would be seen as weak. But athletes are human as much as their fans, and I’d rather my favorite player be getting help than struggling through issues.
Mental Health screenings are so helpful, and they could lead to finding problems that can easily be fixed with things like therapy. I think it’s common for some people not to want to admit to their mental problems, and it could lead to something worse if they never get help.
I personally am not an athlete, but I do go to a mental health doctor and therapist, and it has helped me tremendously. Someone to talk to without judgment and find a plan to help can really help self-confidence as well.
Mental health screenings can feel embarrassing, but it’s saved lives and I say that is a good thing.
