User:Daramuller/sandbox

Athletes tend to be at higher risk for serious mental health complications than non-athletes due to increased stresses from sports and potential injury. One reason for higher vulnerability may be because athletes are less likely to seek help or pursue treatment. This may be attributed to the stigma that it makes them look "weak". This stigma creates a sense of fear that makes these athletes push through the mental pain. Along with physical injury, mental health can be affected by an array of various other factors such as serious concussions, body standards, pressure from a highly competitive atmosphere, etc. Studies have shown that collegiate athletes are at a higher risk for problems such as depression, suicidal ideation, alcohol and substance use, and disordered eating, with an estimated 33% of Division 1 collegiate athletes self-identifying as being depressed. It was also found that 26% of college athletes were moderately to severely inclined to seek mental health services. Even more concerning, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among college sports participants, with 9% of athletes across all divisions of the NCAA feeling the need to pursue suicide prevention. For example, James Madison University had to cancel part of their 2022 season after their catcher, Lauren Bernett, committed suicide (Carlson). There was much questioning as to what made her take her own life because she was super successful prior to her death. The only explanation that other college coaches such as Patty Gasso and the community put together were the mental health of Lauren was not good and she was faking it until she made it. Another common cause that tears away at athlete's mental health is the use of alcohol and other substances. Alcohol and substance use also remains an issue, with upwards of 52% of collegiate athletes reporting to have consumed five or more drinks on numerous occasions in the last year. Of these consumers, 11% indicated the need to get help for alcohol related problems. In 2017, the NCAA also found that roughly 22% of its participants used Marijuana, which is a banned substance for all athletes.