The Link Between High School Sports Injuries and Mental Health
For many high school athletes, sports are more than just a pastime—they are a source of identity, a social network, and a passion. However, when injuries sideline athletes, the mental and emotional toll can be just as significant as the physical recovery. Interviews with athletes and experts like Sally Young, an athletic trainer at Lewis Cass High School, and several student-athletes reveal how injuries impact mental health and highlight the importance of comprehensive recovery support.
The Emotional Weight of Injuries
Sally Young’s experience working with injured athletes underscores how deeply a season-ending injury can affect a student’s mental health. “After an athlete experiences a season-ending injury, it really affects them mentally and physically,” she explains. Feelings of guilt for letting down teammates and the loss of a sense of purpose often compound the physical pain. Young notes that injured athletes frequently feel disconnected from their teams, as they can no longer contribute on the field. Coaches and trainers make efforts to keep injured athletes involved, but the emotional impact remains profound.
This sentiment is echoed by Julian Davidson, a football and basketball player who missed two seasons due to injury. He shared how missing out on anticipated seasons left him feeling frustrated and disappointed. Despite helping managers on game days to stay involved, the inability to play weighed heavily on him.
The Importance of Adhering to Recovery Protocols
Physical recovery plays a key role in an athlete’s mental health. Young emphasizes the importance of athletes following their doctors’ orders to avoid complications or delays in healing. “Some athletes start to feel better and want to return to practice, but we have to follow the current orders,” she explains. This process can be challenging for athletes eager to return to their sport, as highlighted by Davidson’s struggles with the limitations on lower-body workouts after surgery. For many athletes, the physical restrictions can feel like a loss of control, further exacerbating mental strain.
Coping with Isolation and Anxiety
The psychological impact of injuries often extends beyond the immediate recovery period. Trey Johnson, a junior basketball player who tore a ligament in his ankle, shared how his recovery involved extensive physical therapy. Although his ankle is now mostly healed, he still experiences soreness and must remain vigilant about his physical limits. Similarly, senior, Wade Tocco, a baseball player, expressed nervousness about re-injury even after his recovery. These lingering fears can prevent athletes from fully enjoying their return to the game.
For some athletes, injuries also bring a heightened awareness of their bodies and the need for proper recovery. Kale Skiles, a cross-country runner who dealt with IT (iliotibial)band syndrome, emphasized how his injury taught him to listen to his body and focus on recovery techniques. While his injury initially limited his training, it also instilled a mindset of long-term health and prevention.
Supporting Mental and Emotional Recovery
Beyond the physical aspects, addressing the mental health of injured athletes is critical. Young highlights the importance of involving parents, coaches, and teammates in the recovery process to help athletes feel supported and included. For instance, keeping injured players engaged in team activities-whether through attending practices, assisting with team tasks, or simply being present at games-can help mitigate feelings of isolation.
Athletes like Skiles and Davidson also demonstrate the value of finding alternative ways to stay active and maintain a sense of purpose. Skiles’ focus on cross-training and mindful recovery allowed him to regain his fitness gradually while staying mentally engaged. Similarly, Davidson’s contributions to team operations during his recovery kept him connected to his sport and teammates.
Moving Forward
High school sports injuries are often seen as purely physical setbacks, but the emotional and psychological challenges they pose are just as significant. Trainers like Sally Young and the experiences of athletes themselves highlight the need for a holistic approach to recovery. By addressing both the physical and mental health of injured athletes, schools and teams can better support their students through these challenging periods, ensuring they return not only as stronger athletes but also as more resilient individuals.
