What is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral Health describes the connection between behaviors and the health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit
Some common behavioral disorders include
Eating disorders
Substance abuse
Anxiety disorder
Irregular sleep
Addictions
Social Isolation
Some common behavioral
disorders include
Eating disorders
Substance abuse
Anxiety disorder
Irregular sleep
Addictions
Social Isolation
Behavioral Health in the United States
The global pandemic has only worsened behavioral health in America. According to a survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 1 in 5 Americans live with mental illness. Serious suicidal thoughts, severe depression, and substance abuse are also on the rise among the youth.
Various studies have revealed, that a substantial number of American adults suffering from behavioral health issues do not undergo medical help or treatment.
A study by Mental Health America pointed out that nearly 60% of the youth suffering from severe depression do not receive treatment. Furthermore, 2.5 million youth have severe depression, among them, multi-racial youth are at an even higher risk.
Struggles Among Student-Athletes
Unlike regular students, student-athletes are in constant public glare – questioned, loved, hated, and even judged for their wins, losses and struggles. These tumultuous exposures can be exhausting and drive them towards physical and psychological burnout. Coaches and trainers have also observed that student-athletes tend to carry the weight of others’ expectations and even continue playing through injuries, which prove detrimental to their health and overall performance.
Cause for Concern
Student-athletes are juxtaposing and juggling various facets of their lives in order to be able to perform better. They often struggle to maintain their image, and refrain from seeking professional help. As a result, a number of them drop out of the one thing they passionately love – Sports. This leads to frustration, anger, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and other behavioral health issues.
Multiple factors impacting Behavioral Health
Past traumatic incidents
Biological factors
COVID 19 and the following effects, economically and personally
Emotional turmoil at home
Unhealthy lifestyle
Behavioral Health Among Professional Athletes
A study from Athletes for Hope states that at least 35% of elite athletes at some stage in their career suffered from mental illness. In another survey from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), 56% of athletes (including youth athletes) said they experience difficulty training effectively, while 50% mentioned they cannot keep themselves motivated.
Thus, contrary to popular perception, elite athletes too are vulnerable to behavioral health issues, and if left untreated, could lead to stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, addictions, and other behavioral health disorders.
