For my first official post, I want to dive into the psychological world of athletics.
As I perceive it, most people hear only about the overwhelming physical benefits which accompany sports and athletics. There is so much medical research behind the idea that physical fitness promotes mental well-being, clears anxiety, releases stress, improves physique, teaches discipline, etc. These possibilities and glamourous research, then, are enough to support that sports and fitness are a perfectly positive activity. People remain blissfully ignorant to the reality of thousands of athletes who suffer daily from the negative consequences of their beloved sports.
One large issue contributing to these destructive mindsets is social pressure. Whether it be hyper-involved parents who want their children to succeed, or overbearing coaches chasing titles and victories, athletes are surrounded by people telling them that their best is not enough. They are pressured by the world around them to train harder, be perfect, and succeed for others. This pressure gradually builds, pushing athletes to their limit, and in the process they neglect their emotional and physical well-being.
Also key to the rapidly declining mental health of athletes is the normalization of pain. This is an interesting topic to me, because it's the opposite form of normalization I wish to see in society. That is, people expect and embrace athletes to be exhausted. To dedicate their entire life to a sport. They expect that they will get hurt and that their joints will constantly ache. It has become almost a "non-negotiable" aspect of athletics.
And while I am not arguing that some level of discomfort or tiredness is a part of an athlete's life, I will argue that the level to which most are experiencing it should NOT be embraced. Exhaustion that pushes a teenager to the brink of an emotional breakdown daily is not "normal." Physical pain routinely soothed by ibuprofen and caffeine is not "normal." And under-eating and poor nutrition in response to excessive training is certainly not a "normal" experience that athletes must go through to qualify themselves as a hard worker.
These experiences and feelings may be common. But they are not normal. Normal is moderation. Normal is a balance of benefits (which exercise and athletics do provide) with some hardship and occasional stress. Normal is trying your very best and coming home disappointed, but not punishing yourself for it. But normal is not constant pain and suffering. Unfortunately, the toxicity in sports has initiated this as a new normal. One that athletes feel they cannot express or share without ridicule or embarrassment.
I write this post not to promote the idea that "sports are bad" and that everyone must give up their activities to find happiness. I, myself, am a three sport athlete and thankful for all of them. They have brought me teammates, fitness, outlets for stress, and so much more. But, they have also brought me anxiety, disappointment, and insecurity (despite my actually wonderful coaches and family). I recognize that I would not be who I am without sports in my life and without the release and discipline they give me. I just also recognize that the life of a teenage athlete (or any athlete) has become yet another social issue that is under representation. An issue that needs more awareness and reform, rather than social acceptance of its faults.
No one should feel that a sport or activity is what drains their mental and physical health. Sports are meant to teach and inspire and improve. They are not meant to provide more stress and pain on people already exposed to social corruption in other aspects of their lives.
I urge you, then, to embrace a change in sports. Embrace open expressions of pain and emotion in athletes. Become aware and become empathic.
And if you are an athlete, know you are not struggling alone. Know that your pain does not have to be normal. You are enough, regardless of how far you push yourself.
Thanks for reading,
Taylor Hay :)
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