One out of every four human beings in America suffer with a mental illness. On average, three out of every four athletes suffer with a mental illness. However, the methods in which athletes choose to acknowledge their mental illnesses differ. Some choose to face their depression, stress, and anxiety head on and seek the proper professional help that is needed. Others, like many, tend to seek help when the stress becomes alarmingly overwhelming or they simply do not seek help at all. Many times, athletes are looked at as superheroes not only because of their athleticism on the court and on the field but also because the style in which they play. They are on a stage every game with stands and bleachers filled with hundreds of people, many filled with friends and family. This could create added pressure to athletes, especially high school student-athletes. Although regular athletes have a myriad of issues to deal with both on and off the court and field, high school student-athletes deal with other various obstacles (Making good grades, maintaining a strong social life, keeping up a certain reputation among peers, having a good home/family life, in addition to producing well enough numbers on the court and field to win games).

Apollo Sports Counseling, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that blends the importance of mental health with athletics through Mentorship. This organization is strictly catered to student-athletes, in order to aid in improving their overall mental wellness. At Apollo, we pride ourselves on providing a safe space for high school student-athletes to express their emotions and attempt to resolve any mental issues that may be occurring, which could outstandingly increase their concentration and level of play. We offer some services (such as daily motivation, education, and inspiration, short presentations) free of charge because we strongly believe in the value of providing an ear and a helping hand for all athletes. Athletes should NOT have to suffer in silence and at Apollo, one of our top priorities is to eradicate poor mental health.

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Athletes and Mental Health: Why It Matters

In recent years, mental health has become a critical topic within the world of sports. Athletes at all levels—whether professional, collegiate, or youth—face an array of pressures that can affect their mental well-being. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), approximately 30% of female and 25% of male student-athletes report feeling so overwhelmed with anxiety that it impacts their performance both on and off the field. Beyond performance, these challenges often spill over into their daily lives, affecting academic success, personal relationships, and overall quality of life.

Many athletes are reluctant to seek help due to the stigma associated with mental health. There is often an expectation that athletes must be tough, resilient, and immune to stress, leading many to hide their struggles for fear of appearing weak. This mindset can prevent athletes from getting the help they need, which only exacerbates the problem. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that athletes are particularly vulnerable to issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout, which can be exacerbated by the intense demands of sports.

Common mental health concerns among athletes include performance-related anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. These issues often stem from the immense pressure to perform, maintain physical fitness, and meet the expectations of coaches, teammates, and even family members. At Apollo Sports Counseling, we emphasize the importance of recognizing the early signs of mental health struggles, providing resources that encourage athletes to seek support without shame or judgment.

Fortunately, mental health support in the world of sports is growing. Organizations like the NCAA and professional leagues such as the NBA and NFL have begun offering mental health resources and support systems for athletes. These include access to sports psychologists, counseling services, and peer support programs that help athletes navigate the complexities of balancing athletic excellence with mental well-being. At Apollo Sports Counseling, we are committed to providing athletes with tailored mental health strategies that address their unique challenges, offering them tools to thrive both on and off the field.

It’s crucial to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. The mind and body are interconnected, and if athletes are not mentally healthy, it will inevitably impact their physical performance. By prioritizing mental health and creating a safe space for athletes to express their struggles, we can foster not only better athletes but also healthier individuals who can succeed in every area of their lives.

Athletes and Mental Performance: Achieving Excellence on the Field

While mental health addresses the emotional and psychological well-being of athletes, mental performance focuses on optimizing an athlete’s mindset to enhance their performance during games and competitions. Mental performance is about sharpening the mind to increase focus, reduce distractions, and build resilience in high-pressure situations. Studies show that the difference between good athletes and great athletes often lies not in physical ability but in mental toughness.

At Apollo Sports Counseling, we use mental performance techniques to help athletes reach their full potential. This includes developing skills like goal-setting, visualization, focus, and managing anxiety under pressure. According to research published in The Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, athletes who practice mental training techniques experience increased self-confidence, enhanced focus, and better decision-making during competition. These techniques can make the difference when an athlete is trying to perform at their peak level.

One of the core pillars of mental performance is goal setting. Research shows that setting clear, measurable goals can significantly enhance an athlete’s motivation and focus. By breaking down long-term objectives into manageable short-term goals, athletes can maintain momentum and stay focused on continuous improvement. Another key aspect is visualization, where athletes mentally rehearse their movements, strategies, or techniques before executing them in real time. This practice has been shown to enhance muscle memory and improve performance.

Focus and concentration are also crucial in high-pressure situations, such as during a game-deciding free throw or penalty kick. Mental performance coaching trains athletes to block out distractions—whether it’s crowd noise or internal self-doubt—and maintain a laser-like focus on the task at hand. Learning how to manage performance anxiety is equally important. Anxiety is a common issue for athletes, and without the proper tools to manage it, their performance can suffer. Mental performance training provides strategies for staying calm, present, and focused, even when the stakes are high.

Incorporating mental performance strategies is not just for professional athletes. Athletes at all levels—whether high school, collegiate, or recreational—can benefit from mental performance coaching. At Apollo Sports Counseling, we provide customized mental training plans that address the specific needs of each athlete, helping them unlock their full potential. By combining mental performance techniques with a commitment to mental health, athletes are equipped to excel in their sport while maintaining a strong sense of well-being.

Resources for Athletes

• NCAA Mental Health Best Practices: This resource provides guidelines and recommendations for supporting the mental health of student-athletes. It emphasizes the importance of mental wellness in the overall performance and success of athletes.

• The American Psychological Association (APA): APA offers numerous resources and research articles focused on sports psychology and mental health in athletics. They provide evidence-based insights into how mental health impacts athletic performance.

• The Journal of Applied Sport Psychology: This academic journal offers in-depth studies on the effectiveness of mental performance strategies like goal-setting, visualization, and resilience training in athletes.

• Calm App & Headspace: Meditation apps like Calm and Headspace offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises tailored to reducing stress and improving focus, which can be highly beneficial for athletes.

By focusing on both mental health and mental performance, Apollo Sports Counseling provides a holistic approach to athlete development. Our goal is to help athletes overcome mental barriers, enhance their performance, and ultimately reach their full potential—on the field and in life.