How Experiencing a Sidelining Injury Impacts Athletes’ Mental Health
Updated: Apr 23
Depression and anxiety are the leading mental health conditions within the community of collegiate athletes, with up to 50% of athletes reporting symptoms. Frequently, injuries serve as the catalyst for these issues to emerge.
The habitual routine within athletics creates a safe space for athletes. When any constant in your life is abruptly removed, the mental adjustment isn’t easy. For athletes, that constant usually happens to be something that your entire self-worth is tied around, creating the perfect storm.
Olivia Norton, a senior midfielder on Oakland University’s soccer team, knows the reality of this all too well.
She took me back to the sights and feelings regarding her most recent injury, the tearing of her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
“The trainers knew immediately that it was my ACL,” Norton started.
“It took place at an away game about four hours south of Oakland University,” Norton described. “I remember dribbling the ball down the field when someone attacked me from the left. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground screaming for help.”
It is often in these moments that everything changes in the blink of an eye. For some athletes, getting injured can trigger significant mental health issues – anxiety, depression, and eating disorders to name a few.
Norton’s experience certainly affirmed this research.
“I was devastated because I knew I was going to be in this condition for the long haul,” said Norton. “We were also coming up on championship season, and I wanted to help my team get as far as possible.”
ACL recovery can range anywhere from six to twelve months, making it one of the longer injury recovery timelines. During this time, it’s easy for athletes to get down, especially as they watch teammates continue to thrive and pursue goals.
Oftentimes, as time progresses, athletes realize that the mental toll weights heavier than the physical recovery.
“Physically it was a challenge, but it was nothing compared to the mental damage that injury did to me,” Norton explained. “Being forced out of something that my whole life revolved around made it hard to be happy.”
Interestingly, this mental struggle extends to the progression of physical recovery.
Norton shared, “I constantly felt like I was going to re-tear it. This haunted me for months, even when I returned to the pitch. Now looking back, I can see how much my confidence was hindered in both practices and games.”
In a study of ACL reconstruction patients, those with higher fear levels were thirteen times more likely to suffer a second ACL tear within two years of returning than those with less fear.
This dramatic shift in confidence can leave athletes questioning their identity. They used to play their sport to quiet worldly pressures, yet now it’s a breeding ground for self-doubt.
“At the time of my injury, my entire self-worth was based on my athletic achievements,” said Norton. “After it was taken away, I was forced to find other outlets. I had to find things that made me feel whole after being broken down in so many ways. I fell in love with makeup and cooking.”
To come out on the other side and find joy amidst the chaos, receiving professional help is crucial.
“I have to credit my therapist for working with me throughout the entire recovery process,” Norton stated. “Without her, I wouldn’t have emerged as a more well-rounded individual. I no longer rely on soccer to bring me fulfillment, as my eggs are now in multiple baskets.”
While the conversation around mental health specifically in athletics is gaining traction, it is not nearly where it should be in relation to how prevalent it is in every athlete’s life.
“I think the conversation will only go forward if we continue to normalize it; reaching out for help is never anything to be embarrassed or hesitant about,” encouraged Norton. “Just as all athletes want to be at the peak of their physical abilities, it is only possible if your mental space is in good health.”
Athletes representing Oakland University have access to specialized mental health services that combine general counseling with performance psychology. This is offered year-round at no extra charge. Appointments can be made by speaking with Dr. Hydeen Beverly via email at hbeverly@oakland.edu.
Additionally, multiple times a year, designated sport’s psychologists make their way to each team. They set up engaging workshops that cover varying mental health topics, ultimately encouraging student athletes to utilize the services provided.
Comments