How do Athletes at Crete-Monee Deal with mental health?

Abrial Tolar

Sports Reporter

Photo taken by Bryce Milburn

Here at CMHS, our athletes are no different from any other athletes, and that even extends to their mental health and how they deal with it.  Mental health is something everyone deals with. 

Sports and after-school activities can add stress to teens more than they can handle, and things might be going on at home. 

Being stressed is something everyone feels, but going through games or even practice might be different for athletes.

“Every day is different. I have a life outside of coaching, and handling that and things at home is a challenge,” track and field coach Lee said. 

Mental health affects people of all ages, but some teens take their frustration out during practice or games. Although it may not be the healthiest way to cope, it helps people relieve themselves rather than resorting to other methods.

“When I mess up during practice or games, it really affects me because I know how far I can go and I know how well I can make myself,” Jade Franklin said. 

For many teenagers, they’re hard on themselves during games or practice because they know they can be better and want to achieve that, but they have a hard time doing so.

“Dealing with many sports, whether it's at the same time or different, really takes a toll not just on your mental health but on how you perform with both sports. Say, if you underperformed with one of the sports, it follows you out during that sport,” Carson Harrington said. 

Finding outlets to deal with mental health issues, such as delving into hobbies such as reading, drawing, painting, etc., can be healthy outlets to take the frustration out. Teens express their feelings in different ways, and they sometimes rely on their sport for motivation or just as an escape from the real world.

“Battling between school work and games/practice is the toughest thing out there. Trying to maintain good grades and also making sure you're up on games and practice begins to be really stressful,” track and field athlete Lauren Grover said. “When I'm at practice or games, I feel free. Being with people who support me and doing the things I love is like my own escape from anything that bothers me.”

According to the Mental Health Organization, "Factors that contribute to stress during adolescence  include exposure to adversity.”

Although mental health is more common for teens to go through, adults go through these issues just as much as teens.

“Teaching is something I love. But it can be really stressful maintaining work and home while still trying to be okay. I can fairly admit that when things aren’t going so great at home, it stresses me more,” science teacher and cross-country coach Ms. Werner said. 

Students are encouraged to reach out to anyone they feel comfortable talking to, including teachers, social workers, counselors, or other staff in the building. Keeping everything inside can lead to pressure building up, causing bigger issues later.