Is It Common For Young Athletes To Get Panic Attacks?
Summary: Young athletes often face intense pressure, leading to anxiety and panic attacks. Symptoms include pre-game fear, physical distress, and emotional withdrawal. Coping strategies help, but professional support, like therapy and TMS at Ohio Psychiatric Services in Hillard and Lancaster, offers lasting relief.
When viewers indulge in their favorite game, whether cricket or football–they feel some sharp nail-biting moments. While some of it is the thrill of the game, most times it’s anxiety or panic.
This panic gets extrapolated for the athletes who play on the ground, fighting for their team, and owning up all the games.
Competitive anxiety or Sports performance anxiety is quite common, leading to panic attacks. The common belief that you need to be physically fit to be mentally fit takes a back seat in such cases. According to a source, from 30 to 60 percent of athletes experience performance anxiety or excessive pressure while being on the playground.
Mental Health in Young Athletes
If you are a young athlete looking for panic disorder treatment in Lancaster or Hillard, start by identifying the signs. They are clear mostly. If you have felt any of the listed signs, do not delay and reach out for help.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
- Pre-game anxiety: When there is sudden overwhelming fear or rush of too many emotions and you cannot focus on the game, it could be a panic attack.
- Physical symptoms: Racing heart, dizziness, and difficulty while breathing might be regular for some young athletes. However, if they are intense, it indicates a panic attack.
- Emotional signs: If you are overcome by the fear of failure, avoidance of competition, or loss of confidence, reach out for help.
- Behavioral changes: When an individual, once passionate, shows withdrawal, irritability, or loss of interest in sports, it is a sign of anxiety in young athletes.
Causes of Panic Attacks in Young Athletes
While symptoms are often discussed for mental health problems, specifically for anxiety in young athletes, we must explore the causes.
- Performance Pressure: Expectations from coaches, parents, and self.
- Fear of Failure: Anxiety about losing, disappointing others, or making mistakes.
- Overtraining and Fatigue: Physical exhaustion contributing to heightened stress.
- Social & Team Dynamics: Peer pressure, comparisons, and fear of judgment.
- Past Trauma or Injuries: Previous failures, injuries, or harsh criticism.
Coping Strategies and Prevention
There could be one or more reasons why a person starts feeling anxious or panicky, but prevention is possible if the right steps are taken on time.
- Mental Techniques: Try deep breathing, visualization, and mindfulness for holistic relaxation (mind & body).
- Physical Care: Participate in balanced training with proper rest, and nutrition. Resetting is equally important as hard work.
- Support System: Openly communicate with coaches, parents, and teammates. It will strengthen your relationships and help you cope with anxiety.
What if these tips stop working….
Professional help such as seeking therapy or counseling from an expert and experienced professionals could resolve your problems much faster.
Ohio Psychiatric Services and TMS Center, available in Hillard and Lancaster, Ohio have made it easier for young athletes with anxiety to ask for help. Their mental health services in Lancaster Ohio include anxiety, depression, and panic disorder treatment. They provide a guarded and compassionate space for young patients to explore the right treatment for their problems.
Remember, connecting with mental health services has never been a taboo in sports as even established sports persons require support at times. Hence, young athletes and anxiety is a normal conversation. Start with your healing journey today!