Mental Health and Sports - Under Pressure, by Kimberly Koland
If you’ve ever sat in the stands and watched a teenager lace up their cleats, step onto the field, or stand nervously on a starting block, you know the feeling, that mix of pride and hope. We cheer for them. We post pictures. We dream big dreams, but behind the highlights and medals, many of our young athletes are carrying a weight we don’t see.
This season of life, adolescence, is already a whirlwind. Emotions are intense. Identity is still forming. And for kids involved in sports, there’s an added layer: the pressure to perform. It can be thrilling, but it can also break them down.
We talk a lot about strength in sports, but not often about the silent kind—the kind it takes to deal with anxiety before a big game, to manage disappointment after a loss, or to recover mentally from an injury. And we rarely talk about what happens when that pressure becomes too much.
The Stats Are Real, But So Are the Stories
Nearly 8 million teens in the U.S. participate in high school sports. But one in three of them is also struggling with anxiety or depression. Those numbers spiked during the pandemic and haven’t dropped.
Different Pressures for Different Kids
Girls in sports, especially those where appearance matters, face pressures around body image and eating that can be dangerously invisible. More than a third report disordered eating patterns, and often, it’s brushed off as “part of the game.”
Boys, on the other hand, are taught early to toughen up and to keep emotions off the field. A recent survey found that less than a third of male athletes feel safe talking about their mental health. Vulnerability shouldn’t be a penalty.
And then there are the injuries...
It’s not just about a torn ACL or a fractured wrist; it’s what gets taken away with it. For many teens, sports aren’t just what they do. It’s who they are. When an injury sidelines them, even temporarily, they lose structure, identity, and often their sense of belonging. Depression and anxiety aren’t far behind.
So, how do we help them carry the weight better?
We start by being the kind of grown-ups who see the whole kid, not just the player.
• We create room for mental health in athletic programs, not as an afterthought, but as part of the foundation • We teach coaches, mentors, and parents to recognize signs of stress, burnout, and depression.
• We permit our kids to rest.
• We encourage them to build identities beyond sports—to discover their gifts, their relationships, and their worth.
Organizations like The Hidden Opponent and Athletes for Hope are doing incredible work to make space for athlete voices and stories. They’re helping kids see they’re not alone, and that strength doesn’t always mean staying silent.
At the USA Cup, a soccer competition in Blaine, Minnesota, knows this. For the past four years, they have had a mental health initiative, which includes a mental health focus day and a partnership with the US Center of Mental Health and Sport. They work alongside players and coaches and provide resources for mental health, including a Speak Up Day in which local mental health organizations are invited to participate as well as providing mental health awareness certification for teams through an offered class.
Our kids are worth more than their stats. Let’s be the ones who remind them that it’s okay to ask for help. That their value doesn’t come from a scoreboard and that thriving, not just winning, is the goal.
We don’t just need stronger athletes, we need healthier humans.
Sources:
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
• NFHS. (2023). High School Athletics Participation Survey.
• https://www.nfhs.org
• Details the number and demographics of U.S. high school athletes.Journal of Adolescent Health
• McGuine, T. A., Biese, K. M., Petrovska, L., et al. (2021). Mental Health of Adolescents in Sports During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(4), 739–744.
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.01.003
• Found 1 in 3 youth athletes reported anxiety or depression during the pandemic.Journal of Athletic Training
• Brewer, B. W. (2019). Case Study: Performance Anxiety and Burnout in a High School Athlete.
• Journal of Athletic Training, 54(7), 720–728.National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
• NEDA. (2022). Athletes and Eating Disorders.
• https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
• Over 33% of female athletes reported disordered eating symptoms.The JED Foundation
• JED. (2022). Mental Health and High School Athletes: Survey Findings.
• https://jedfoundation.org
• Found only 27% of male student-athletes felt comfortable talking about mental health.Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine
• Yang, J., Schaefer, J. T., Zhang, N., et al. (2020). Depression and Anxiety Among Injured Adolescent Athletes: A Longitudinal Study.
• Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 30(2), 120–125.
• Found up to 45% of injured athletes showed signs of depression post-injury.The Hidden Opponent
• https://www.thehiddenopponent.com
• A nonprofit advocacy group founded by former collegiate athlete Victoria Garrick, focusing on student-athlete mental health.Athletes for Hope
•https://www.athletesforhope.org
• A nonprofit that connects athletes with causes, including youth mental health advocacy and awareness programs.
Embracing the Sunshine: Why Getting Outside This Summer Is Good for Your Mental Health
Summer in Minnesota is short but beautiful. After long months of gray skies and indoor routines, the return of warm weather and longer days can feel like a fresh start. But beyond the obvious perks—like lake days, farmers markets, and grilling with friends—summer also brings something vital for our mental wellness: sunlight and time outdoors.
The Sunshine Effect: A Natural Mood Booster
Sunlight plays a powerful role in our mental health. Exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which affects our sleep, energy levels, and mood. It also increases our brain's production of serotonin, a chemical that boosts mood and promotes calm focus.
Even just 15-30 minutes a day outside can make a difference. Studies have shown that time in the sun can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function, and even lower stress hormone levels.
Nature as a Natural Antidepressant
Spending time in green spaces—like parks, trails, or even your backyard—can provide a mental reset. Nature has a grounding effect, helping us disconnect from screens, obligations, and noise. Whether you’re walking your dog, gardening, or sitting under a tree with a book, being outside invites mindfulness and peace.
Research shows that spending time in nature can:
Lower blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone)
Increase feelings of connection and gratitude
Improve focus and memory
Reduce symptoms of depression and burnout
Not Just for the "Outdoorsy" Type
You don’t have to hike for miles to benefit. Here are simple ways to soak up summer while supporting your mental wellness:
Take a walk around the block during your lunch break
Enjoy your morning coffee on the porch
Visit a local park or trail in Anoka County
Start a small herb garden or flower pot
Watch a sunset or stargaze
🌳 Local & Online Resources to Explore
Here are a few places and tools to support your mental wellness while enjoying summer:
Local Parks & Trails in Anoka County
Bunker Hills Regional Park – Great for hiking, biking, and picnicking
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park – Beautiful river views and walking trails
Rum River Central Regional Park – Peaceful, scenic, and less crowded
Find more with Anoka County Parks
You Deserve to Feel Good
Summer is a season of light—and it’s an opportunity to find moments of joy, calm, and connection. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or stuck, try taking it outside. The fresh air and sun might be just what your mind and body need.
Honoring Juneteenth
Each year on June 19, communities across the country gather to recognize Juneteenth — a deeply significant day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the last remaining enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom.
Juneteenth is a day of celebration, remembrance, and reflection. It’s a powerful reminder of how far we've come — and how much work remains to ensure justice, equity, and healing for all. At the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County (MWCAC), we also see Juneteenth as a meaningful moment to highlight the connection between racial equity and mental health.
The Ongoing Impact of Historical Trauma
While Juneteenth represents a monumental moment in American history, the legacy of slavery, systemic racism, and exclusion continues to impact Black communities today — including in the area of mental health.
Generational trauma, discrimination, and unequal access to quality care have all contributed to disparities in mental health outcomes for Black Americans. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Black adults in the U.S. are more likely to experience serious mental health conditions — and less likely to receive proper treatment or culturally responsive care.
Recognizing this truth is an important step toward collective healing.
Mental Health is a Human Right
Juneteenth is about freedom — and true freedom includes mental and emotional well-being. It includes the right to heal, the right to feel safe, the right to access support without stigma, and the right to thrive.
Mental health care that acknowledges racial identity, lived experience, and community context is essential to justice. We must continue working to make space for Black voices in mental health conversations, remove barriers to care, and promote services that are inclusive and affirming.
Taking Action in Our Community
Here in Anoka County, we encourage everyone to use Juneteenth not only as a day of celebration, but also as a call to action. Learn, listen, and advocate for mental health equity. Support local Black-led organizations. Share mental health resources in your community. And check in — with yourself, with your neighbors, and with the young people around you.
Mental wellness is community wellness. When we support each other, we all rise.
Resources to Explore:
Local culturally responsive mental health providers in Anoka County
This Juneteenth, we honor the past, hold space for the present, and work together toward a more just and mentally healthy future.
Jeff’s Story
On November 12, 2019, we lost our son, Waylon, to suicide. He had been struggling with his mental health. I don’t want other families to experience the same helplessness we felt, which is why I began advocating for better mental health resources. That’s how I found MWCAC.
Jeff Connor is the Vice Chair of the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County
What personal life events inspired you to join MWCAC?
On November 12, 2019, we lost our son, Waylon, to suicide. He had been struggling with his mental health and had spent about 10 days in the hospital before his passing. Waylon was frequently in trouble at school, and while the school often contacted us, they couldn’t provide any real guidance on how to help him. Our frustration grew as we struggled to find the right support. It wasn’t until an incident turned physical, prompting Child Protective Services to get involved, that we were connected to Washburn Children's Services for family counseling. Unfortunately, by then, it was too little, too late. That night, my wife and I were meeting with a counselor to discuss changing our parenting approach to better support Waylon, but we never got the chance to implement those changes. I don’t want other families to experience the same helplessness we felt, which is why I began advocating for better mental health resources. That’s how I found MWCAC.
How has MWCAC had a personal impact on you?
Joining MWCAC gave me a sense of purpose and direction in the wake of Waylon's death. It became an avenue for me to channel my grief into action and make a difference in the mental health landscape. The organization has not only provided a platform to advocate for change but has also connected me with others who understand the struggles of navigating the mental health system. It’s helped me realize that we can drive change and improve the support available for families in crisis.
What barriers have you or someone you love faced in receiving mental health services? How do you hope that MWCAC can help fill that gap?
One of the most significant barriers we faced was a lack of information and guidance. Before Waylon's hospitalization, there were no resources readily available or offered to us, even though his struggles at school were well-documented. We only learned about the services through Child Protective Services, which was far too late. I hope MWCAC can fill that gap by increasing awareness of available resources and making them accessible before a crisis occurs. Families shouldn’t have to wait for something drastic to happen to receive the help they need.
How has stigma surrounding mental illness had an impact on you/someone you love?
Waylon was deeply affected by the stigma around mental illness. He resisted treatment and often dismissed his struggles, saying things like, "Just lock me up and put me in a psychiatric hospital." It was clear that he felt ashamed of his mental health issues. I tried to reassure him that his brain was ill—no different than if he had a physical ailment like a heart problem—but the stigma was hard to overcome. This experience underscored the importance of breaking down the barriers of shame and judgment associated with mental illness, which I advocate for through MWCAC.
What dreams do you have for future generations surrounding mental health services and stigma in Anoka County? How do you see MWCAC assisting in that process?
I dream of a future where mental health services are accessible and integrated into our communities, and where seeking help is as routine as going to the doctor for a physical check-up. I want future generations to grow up understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health, without the fear of being judged. I see MWCAC playing a crucial role by raising awareness, providing education, and advocating for policies that prioritize mental health. Above all, I believe that love is the answer to mental illness. We need to treat people with kindness and compassion, no matter how they’re behaving, and create a supportive community where everyone feels valued and understood.
Cynthia’s Story
I’ve lived with a mental illness most of my life. Being a disabled vet is a challenge; there are a thousand things going on in my head. I look okay, but I’m not. Now, with MWCAC, I’m able to help others. That is who I am, and I know my calling. I’m passionate about people with mental illness, and I don’t want anyone to feel like they don’t matter.
Cynthia Blesi is the Treasurer of the Mental Wellness Campaign of Anoka County
What personal life events inspired you to join MWCAC?
I’ve lived with a mental illness most of my life. I was sent to the state hospital in 1998, after a heavy time of personal events. There, the psychiatrist said to me, “Somewhere deep down inside, you know how sick you are.” They were right. Being a disabled vet is a challenge. There are a thousand things going on in my head. I look okay, but I’m not. I was grateful that the State hospital let me get better… It gave me a chance to work on me. I learned to live and not just exist. That was a big difference. It was a really beautiful thing.
How has MWCAC had a personal impact on you?
I joined the Board in 2007. Due to my mental illness, I am unable to work. The nice thing about the Mental Wellness Campaign is that I’m able to help other people and it’s an honor. That is who I am and I know my calling. I’m passionate about people with mental illness and I don’t want anyone to feel like they don’t matter. Everyone and all mental health matters. I love that the MWCAC allows a way for me to give back to my community.
How has stigma surrounding mental illness had an impact on you/someone you love?
Sometimes I get looked at as if I’m not “okay enough” to be a member of society… and that’s hurtful. My goal in being on the Mental Wellness Campaign is to get out there and spread the good news that there is recovery for mental illness.
What dreams do you have for future generations surrounding mental health services and stigma in Anoka County? How do you see MWCAC assisting in that process?
I hope that this campaign communicates to the community that you don't have to be ashamed of being mentally ill. Mental illness is not a character flaw! My life has not been easy but I've worked very hard to develop a sense of self -worth. Borderline Personality Disorder is environmental. Now I have a great support system, which I believe is the key to wellness for me. I’m grateful for the life I have now. I’m a lot happier than I was before, and I love that this is a way to give back to our community.