Do Sports Hurt or Help Mental Health?

Although sports can damage the mental health of teens in certain ways, ultimately they boost confidence and create friendships. In my personal experience, playing basketball greatly increases my confidence both on and off the court, and I feel happier overall during my sport’s seasons. I anonymously surveyed 24 student-athletes to see if they felt similarly. 83% of those surveyed said they gain confidence from their sport. However, 91% said that their sport also stresses them out. One anonymous lacrosse player stated that “Sometimes it can feel like your personal success is dependent on the success in a game, especially if most people associate you with your sport.” In some instances, sports can sometimes apply too much pressure on young athletes. 

Sports can also instill a confidence in young athletes that schoolwork simply can’t. In addition to their comment about stress, the same anonymous lacrosse player stated, “[sports] makes me feel like I have a community to belong to, and like I’m part of a bigger picture.” Being a part of a team allows students to feel supported and appreciated. Even when athletes are under pressure, the feeling that people are rooting for you is encouraging and confidence boosting. 

But with the pandemic already imposing large amounts of stress on students, are sports still as beneficial for young athletes? Putting this in perspective, one anonymous volleyball player said that, “During the pandemic, volleyball definitely increased my mental wellbeing because I was able to connect with teammates and get active through a sport I love.” Despite the stress that sports can cause, overall students gain confidence, have fun, and create communities through sports that help their mental wellbeing.