Anxiety Comes from Sports Too?

By Yeonjae Kim

Artwork by Alex Lee

Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects many people not only in their daily lives, but also when playing sports. Athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, can experience anxiety before, during, and after a competition. This can impact their performance and overall enjoyment of the sport, leading to feelings of stress, frustration, and disappointment.

One of the main causes of anxiety in sports is the pressure to perform. Most student-athletes may feel the need to prove themselves and meet the expectations of coaches, teammates, and fans. Especially when it comes to competitions, students may feel the need to try their best so that the team doesn’t lose because of them. This pressure can lead to feelings of nervousness and anxiety before a game or competition, causing athletes to second-guess their abilities and question their preparation. 

In addition to performance pressure, injury is also a common source of anxiety in sports. Athletes may worry about being hurt during competition or be anxious about returning to the sport after an injury. I personally also feel worried before each basketball or volleyball game because if I get hurt, I wouldn’t be able to play for the rest of the season. Therefore, this can lead to decreased confidence and increased difficulty focusing on the task at hand, further exacerbating anxiety. Also, anxiety can impact an athlete's recovery from injury or loss. After a setback, it is natural for athletes to feel disappointed and worried about their future in the sport. However, for some, this disappointment can develop into a more persistent and debilitating form of anxiety, leading to decreased motivation and performance.

Although there are many challenges when it comes to participating in a sport, there are several strategies that athletes can use to manage their anxiety. For example, practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help athletes calm their nerves and focus on the task at hand. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Furthermore, athletes should have a supportive network of family, friends, and coaches to help them through difficult times. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional about their concerns can also be helpful for managing anxiety in sports. Giving compliments to one another on the team to make a more welcoming and caring environment can also be beneficial to the athletes' mental states during games. By discussing their feelings and seeking support, athletes can gain a better understanding of their anxiety and develop effective strategies for coping. Finally, it is important for athletes to maintain a healthy perspective and to remember that the sport is just one aspect of their lives. As a student-athlete, there are many things one has to balance, including sports, relationships, and academics. Thus, putting all of one’s strength and energy into sports is not healthy and will prevent one from being successful. By taking care of their mental health and seeking help when needed, athletes can maintain their confidence and performance and continue to enjoy the sport they love.

Works Cited

“How Anxiety Can Affect Sports Performance.” UPMC HealthBeat, 18 May 2022, https://share.upmc.com/2022/05/how-anxiety-affects-sports-performance/. Accessed 27 February 2023.

Kubala, Kendra, and Stacy Sampson. “Sports Performance Anxiety: Causes, Signs, Tips to Cope.” Healthline, 9 March 2022, https://www.healthline.com/health/sports-performance-anxiety. Accessed 27 February 2023.

Smith, Rebecca. “How to help a child with sports anxiety.” Complete Performance Coaching, 17 October 2016, https://completeperformancecoaching.com/2016/10/17/how-to-help-a-child-with-sports-anxiety/. Accessed 27 February 2023.

This article was originally published as part of Cycle 3 in February 2023.