College athletes are trained to overcome huge obstacles, especially in high-stakes competitive sports. Doing so can be a great way to learn resilience, but when do you know that your sport is no longer impacting you in a positive way? If you have been noticing any of these signs, it may be time to prioritize your mental health over the game:
Your academics are at risk
Balancing academic deadlines while having to keep up with daily practices and competitions is not easy. Athletes should never let their sport interfere with their academic success. Most colleges offer resources to help athletes with balancing responsibilities, such as counseling, but if it becomes too much and you are still not achieving the grades you need, it could be time to take a break or quit completely. Your academics are what will take you the farthest in life, so they should be prioritized.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
You suffered an injury
Competitive sports can have long-lasting negative effects on athletes' bodies when they get injured. If playing becomes more painful or you are at risk of making the injury worse, you should strongly consider stopping the sport. Even the smallest injuries can become worse as you age if not taken care of properly. It may be a difficult decision to make, but it is better in the long run for your body's sake.
You are feeling anxious or depressed
If your sport is one of the main causes of you feeling anxious or depressed, it may be time to leave it behind. While sports are challenging, they should not be a drain on your mental health to the point it is causing you to be unhappy in life.
Related: 18 Symptoms of Depression in College Athletes
Your coach is not supportive
There are times where coaches are not fulfilling their role of being supportive of their team. They can unfairly take their frustration of losing a game out on the players or are just not aware that the sport is draining some of their team members. If transferring is not an option or you are committed to staying at your school, it may be best to take a step back from the sport.
Related: Three Key Warning Signs of Emotionally Abusive Coaching, According to Experts
You've lost your love for the game
If you are not feeling fulfilled anymore in your sport or it's beginning to feel like a chore rather than something you feel passionate about, it might be time to leave it in your past. Sports are meant to be fun, and if you cannot envision yourself continuing it in the near future, that should be something to consider.
It can take a lot of courage to admit that something is no longer serving you, but life is too short to do anything less than what you love. If you have experienced any of the feelings listed here, it may be time to reconsider your path.
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* Originally published on December 8, 2022, by Kelly Wick
