Today’s young athletes face more pressure than ever to perform—whether in interscholastic games, camps, or showcases that can give them a leg up for scholarships or elite competition. For these and many more reasons, coaches and parents must recognize and support the mental health of young athletes.

Truth is, mental health challenges are common for athletes of any age—53% of athletes surveyed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport reported they had struggled with depression, anxiety, or another mental health concern. Youth have experienced increased mental health challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Young athletes in particular may not talk openly about these struggles due to pressure they may feel to push stoically through adversity; “no pain, no gain,” they may think.

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