Being an athlete can come with side effects other than the physical aspects.

One of the most important parts of sports is the mental part, and how you think. Some athletes suffer from anxiety, while others suffer from depression. A study from 2019 found that about “35% of elite athletes have mental health concerns. The top issues reported by athletes included feelings of burnout, depression, and anxiety.” 

Most athletes are left to face unreal expectations from fans and coaches. The relentless pursuit of trying to be perfect eventually gets old, and will start to take a toll on someone’s mental state. Athletes often face the challenge of having personal responsibilities, and meeting their sports needs. 

Some athletes even face harsher effects, like an eating disorder per se. Most athletes follow diets which help them maintain their physique and athletic capabilities. If an athlete were to develop anorexia or bulimia, it could derail their lives.

Another effect is substance abuse, players rely on “steroids and other types of drugs to enhance speed and strength.” Painkiller misuse is another problem athletes face, just like any other person in pain they want to relieve it. 

Retired athletes even face drug abuse too, just as bad as someone who is currently playing. In fact, “retired NFL players were found to misuse opioids four times more than the general population.” 

What can athletes do to try to prevent these negative effects? Creating a supportive team environment is one idea. Coaches and other staff should “prioritize creating an inclusive team environment where everyone feels supported.” Team building activities can help create a positive relationship between the team and staff members. Having a balance between sports and personal life is important too. Knowing your limits is a key role in sports, over working can result in a physical decline and maybe even lead to injuries, but can also lead to feeling burned out and eventually maybe depression.