Sports depression is a serious mental problem for athletes.
The definition of sports depression, according to https://www.charliehealth.com/post/athlete-depression, is unique to athletes.
Sports depression is a result of performance demands, injuries, retirement, and intense training that leads to symptoms like low motivation, academic decline, social withdrawal, and physical complaints that usually include headaches and fatigue.
“Sports depression is basically losing motivation, confidence, and losing focus of the main goal,” Cam Tucker, senior, said.”It was sad until I changed my mindset. I dealt with the sports depression by praying, getting closer to my family and friends, and I also took a break from basketball,” Cam Tucker, said. “Now, on game days, I’ll pray, let it go, and have fun. I went to the Lord and read my Bible for comfort.”
“I feel like sports depression is losing confidence and not wanting to play that sport anymore,” Corry Banner, freshman, said. “I just kept my head and practiced because basketball helps me get my mind off things even when I was dealing with the depression; it also helped me get over it,” Corry Banner, said.
Most athletes experience sports depression in different ways.
“Playing basketball was hate because of losing so it made me feel bad,” Corry Tucker, said. “I wanted to stop playing altogether, but I love the game. I prayed before my games and went to God and my mom for comfort,” Corry Banner, said.
“It [sports depression] made me lose a little bit of confidence in my sport, but I got it back,” Markayla Mayo, junior, said. “I talked to my coach and she helped me through it.”
To deal with sports depression, prioritize a strong support system, maintain physical activity, practice self-care like journaling or nature walks, set realistic goals, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a sports psychologist or therapist,” charliehealth.com said.
Most Chatham athletes don’t let sports depression disrupt doing what they love.
