Let’s get real: being a young athlete can feel amazing…and also, kind of exhausting.
You love your sport—or at least, you used to.
You’ve got drive, discipline, and big goals.
You’ve made friends, had cool wins, and grown stronger than you ever thought possible.
And yet…
You might also be:
- Tired of the pressure
- Nervous before games
- Frustrated that nothing ever feels “good enough”
- Secretly wondering if it’s okay to not feel okay
This blog is for you—the kid or teen trying their best in competitive sports and feeling a lot of emotions along the way. (Even the ones no one talks about.)
You’re Not Alone—and You’re Not Weak
Sometimes, being in sports makes it feel like you always have to “push through.” To toughen up. To be strong and steady, even when you’re hurting inside.
But here’s the truth:
- Even the best athletes get overwhelmed.
- Even the most confident teammates feel insecure sometimes.
- Even the ones who seem like they’ve got it all together have days when they want to quit.
You are not weak for feeling pressure.
You are not dramatic for feeling tired.
You are not alone.
Signs You Might Be Dealing with Burnout or Sports Stress
You don’t need a diagnosis to take your mental health seriously. Just paying attention to how you feel is a powerful first step.
Here are a few things that could be signs you’re struggling:
- You feel anxious before practice or games—like you want to throw up or cry
- You used to love your sport… but now it just feels like a chore
- You get super upset with yourself when you mess up—even a little
- You’re tired all the time, even when you sleep
- You feel like if you stop being “the best,” people will stop caring
- You want to take a break, but feel like that’s not allowed
- You’re hiding how you really feel because you don’t want to let anyone down
If even one of those feels true for you—you’re not being overdramatic. You’re being honest. And that’s brave.
What You Can Control
You might not be able to control the schedule, the coach, or the outcome of a game. But you can take care of yourself in small, powerful ways. Here’s how:
🧠 Talk About It
Find someone you trust—a parent, coach, teacher, or therapist—and tell them what’s going on. You don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
If saying it out loud feels hard, try writing it down first. Or say something like, “I’m not sure how to say this, but I’ve been feeling…”
🛑 Take Breaks (Yes, You’re Allowed)
Rest is part of training. Your brain and body both need recovery time.
Even if you don’t take a full break from your sport, make space in your life for:
- Hobbies that have nothing to do with performing
- Hanging out with friends who like you for you—not your stats
- Screens-off time to just breathe and be
💬 Challenge That Inner Critic
If your inner voice says stuff like:
“You’re not good enough.”
“You’ll disappoint everyone.”
“You have to be perfect.”
…you don’t have to believe it.
That voice is fear talking—not truth. You can learn to talk back with kindness. Something like:
“I’m doing my best, and that matters.”
“One mistake doesn’t erase all my hard work.”
“I’m allowed to be proud of myself, even when it’s not perfect.”
🙋♀️ Ask for Help
Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis. It’s for athletes like you who want to stay strong on the inside too.
A therapist can help you:
- Understand your stress and where it’s coming from
- Learn tools to calm your nerves before big events
- Remember who you are outside of your sport
- Set goals that feel good and not just intense
- Deal with pressure from coaches, parents, or even teammates
It’s a safe space to say anything—without judgment or lectures.
You’re Still an Athlete—even When You’re Struggling
Your worth isn’t measured in points, rankings, or trophies.
You are more than your best game.
You are more than your worst mistake.
You are a whole person—not just a player.
Loving your sport doesn’t mean you have to love it every single day.
Being strong doesn’t mean never asking for help.
Wanting rest doesn’t mean you’re quitting.
It means you’re growing.
And growing means learning how to take care of your mind, not just your body.
You Deserve to Feel Good In and Out of Your Sport
Whether you’re dreaming of college scholarships or just trying to enjoy your season, remember this:
Your mental health matters.
Your feelings matter.
You matter.
And if things ever feel heavy, you don’t have to carry them alone.
We’re here if you want to talk. No pressure. No judgment. Just a space to be real.
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