Mental Health and the Young Athlete

Introduction

Physical activity is beneficial for all. The WHO recommended that children and youth between the ages of 5 and 17 ought to take part in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous each day (WHO). A young individual who takes part in a sporting activity will be able to meet these requirements and garner the benefits of being physically active. According to Merkel (2013) organized sports have a positive impact on the young individual who participates in such activities. Athletic endeavors aided in mitigating the negative impact of inactivity and an unhealthy lifestyle. Notwithstanding this however it ought to be stated that this same study also noted that sports could have a negative impact on the young athlete. The WHO defined mental health "as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community (WHO, 2014)

The adolescent years are accompanied by many stressors. The young person who participates in athletic endeavors may find participation in such activities an additional source of stress. The activity which is of physical benefit to the athlete may have both a positive and negative psychological and emotional impact on their well-being. The young athlete is "still developing cognitively and physically and is actively learning from adult behaviors and values" (Athletic Magee). They ought therefore to be considered as a special population onto themselves with needs and behaviors which differ from the adult athlete.

Benefits of Sporting Activities

Sporting activities have many positive effects. These include regular exercise which has beneficial effects in regard to physical health. It aids in decreasing the prevalence of obesity in the young individual. According to WHO childhood obesity is a major problem throughout the world. It is affecting many low and middle income countries. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age (WHO). Other benefits of sporting activities include higher self-esteem, improved discipline, improved social skills and individuals who are less likely to partake in risky activities (athletic Magee). According to Campbell et al (2018) (on kindle) "sport participation represents leisure activities which promote social, mental and physical well-being.

The Impact of Sport on the Young Athlete

Research suggests that the prevalence of mental disorders may be lower in the athletic population or comparable to the general population of young people (Gulliver et al BMC psychiatry 2012, 12:157). Larun et al (2006) postulated that taking part in such activity may aid in decreasing anxiety and depression in young individuals. To gain this information they evaluated a total of sixteen studies with a total of 1191 young persons. The individuals were between the ages of 11-19 years. It should be noted that the researchers stated that while it appears that activity has this positive effect " the small number of studies included and the clinical diversity of participants, interventions and methods of measurement limit the ability to draw conclusions" (Larun et al, 2006).

This is in contrast to a study done by Kissinger (2007) who found that athletes at the intercollegiate suffered from psychological conditions at a slightly higher rate (2% more) than the general age matched population.

In a study by Bebetsos and Antoniou (2003) it was found that older athletes were better able to cope with adversity when compared to their younger counterparts, (on researchgate)

Parents usually wish to have their children live up to their full potential. This includes their involvement in sporting activities. Parents however may be a source of stress for the young athlete. "Parental interference and pressure are among the main reasons that children drop out of sports".

Magee (athletic Magee) highlights the fact that personnel such as physicians, athletic trainers and sports physical therapist involved in the care of young athletes ought to ensure the overall emotional and cognitive well-being of the athlete. It is noted that this is important not only for the present development of the young athlete but also future development.