Athletes Mental Health Through the Pandemic

Student athletes are facing their most formidable opponent yet, the reality that they can’t compete and the complications this brings to their mental health.

I reached out to athletes around Franklin County via a survey on social media looking for their perspectives on Covid's effect on sports. The questions asked, “how has the corona virus affected your sport?” and “with all the constant changes of sports and in some cases seasons, has this affected your mental health?”

Cassie Mattei who plays volleyball when asked the first question said, “we were unable to have our regular season at the time we were supposed to.” As for the second question she said, “It’s made me feel isolated. I would rather be social opposed to having to stay inside all the time. But it is what it is.”

“Basketball has been postponed and we haven’t been able to play yet this season. Field hockey was also postponed but we were able to play with several precautions and limited players,” said Stella Clark from Mohawk Trail Regional High School, a basketball and field hockey player. “Being able to actually play field hockey was good and see my friends, but at first when we weren’t sure if we could play, it was stressful. And especially now there isn’t a chance to see other people or to have that much of a break from school. It’s definitely stressful and makes you pretty distant from everyone which I think has negatively affected mine and others mental health.”

Some students see Covid related restrictions have led to a loss of opportunity. “Yes, in many ways due to loss of opportunity (college related). In terms of mental health it has caused me high levels of stress.” said Eva Pruitt-Dahl, a multi-sport senior at GHS. “Commitment to sports gave me motivation and kept me busy, due to COVID I have too much free time and have lost motivation for other things like school. No longer having a healthy activity that I enjoy and look forward to everyday has caused me to be restless and sad.”

To sum up what other people said, sports not being a constant in their lives is giving them a sense of anxiety and it’s scary. No one can count on their sport happening, and if it does, it won’t be the same.

“I think sports are a bigger deal then some people would like to realize. These are supposed to be the best years of our lives.” Samantha Murray said. All in all these kids feel like they're losing their teenage years.

Sports are what keeps these student athletes motivated and gives them a reason to do well in school and in life. “Sports are what keeps me in check, when I am in season my grades are up so I can stay eligible. Being on a schedule helps a lot when it comes to grades and motivation, I know I have to get this stuff done and I make sure I do. Not playing as much I am still keeping my grades up, but I'm procrastinating more because I have more free time.” Lauren Ross from Franklin County Tech said. Without sports and with everything changing they are getting discouraged and their motivation is getting slimmer by the day.

Although athletes are not the only people who are being affected negatively by the pandemic, some people are failing to realize how important sports are to these kids and how much the constant change is affecting them. The pandemic is really straining people's mental health and not many people really know how to deal with that.