High School Athletes Face Unseen Mental Health Struggles

Intense pressure, over-scheduling, and strong athletic identities lead to anxiety, depression, and decreased performance in young athletes.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:20pm

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High school student athletes are facing significant mental health challenges due to the intense pressure, over-scheduling, and strong athletic identities they experience. Factors like fear of failure, social media pressure, and expectations from parents and coaches contribute to emotional exhaustion, causing athletes to struggle with anxiety, depression, and decreased performance. Coaches play a key role in recognizing these struggles and providing support, as student athletes like Jarred Singleton show that strength isn't just physical, but also about pushing through mental challenges.

Why it matters

As conversations around mental health in student athletes continue to grow, recognizing and supporting these unseen struggles may be just as important as winning in sports. Addressing the mental health needs of high school athletes can help them maintain a healthy balance between academics and athletics, leading to better overall well-being and performance.

The details

High school student athletes like Jarred Singleton, a baseball and basketball player at Northland High School, face a demanding daily routine of school, practice, and homework that takes a significant mental toll. Singleton describes only having 15 minutes to get ready for practice after a full day of school, then having to complete homework late into the night. This constant cycle of school and sports 'really takes a mental toll,' especially when assignments won't get finished until nightfall, causing him to get more tired throughout the week.

  • Jarred Singleton is a current high school student athlete at Northland High School.
  • The article was published on April 2, 2026.

The players

Jarred Singleton

A high school baseball and basketball player at Northland High School who faces intense pressure and a demanding schedule that takes a mental toll.

Lamont Bowman

The head basketball coach at Independence High School who emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting student athletes' mental health struggles.

David Udelf

A clinical and sport psychologist who wrote an article in Psychology Today about the mental health challenges faced by high school student athletes.

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What they’re saying

“I only have 15 minutes to get ready for practice. After all that, I go home and have to do homework.”

— Jarred Singleton, High school student athlete

“I always wonder, 'What would Dad say?' When I don't get the job done, it makes me question if I'm good enough.”

— Jarred Singleton, High school student athlete

“For starters … sometimes they just need someone to talk to. If they feel uncomfortable, suggest someone to talk to and a way to get them help.”

— Lamont Bowman, Head basketball coach at Independence High School

What’s next

Coaches and school administrators should continue to prioritize mental health resources and support for student athletes, such as providing access to counseling services, mental health education, and open communication about the challenges they face. Policymakers and athletic organizations may also consider implementing new guidelines or regulations to ensure student athletes' well-being is protected alongside their physical performance.

The takeaway

This story highlights the critical need to recognize and address the unseen mental health struggles that many high school student athletes face. By providing more support, resources, and understanding, we can help these young athletes maintain a healthy balance between academics and athletics, leading to better overall well-being and performance both on and off the field.