The Social Work Perspective for the New College Athlete

by Kelly Macdonnell 03-16-2008 02:00 AM

Guest Contributor's Background

Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from Towson University 2003
Graduate Degree in Social Work from University of MD-Baltimore 2006
Currently living in Baltimore, MD
Experience in inpatient psychiatry, outpatient substance abuse and domestic violence, mitigation for The Office of the Public Defender, and individual/family therapy

Column

If you are reading this blog, you likely fall in the category of a college athlete or someone who is closely associated with college athletes. If you are the college athlete, congratulations and good luck! This could be a very exciting, yet tumultuous time in your life. If you are the latter, I hope you recognized the fact that the college athlete(s) around you will need your support more than ever right now.

I have identified some warning signs of bad (negative) stress; reasons college athletes encounter different types of stress than the typical college stress; and ways to combat the challenges of facing unwanted stress.

To begin, stress is the physical, emotional, and mental response to change- good or bad. Good stress will help get things done. An extra burst of adrenaline can help you finish a final paper, win a game, or meet other challenges with an ability to return to normal functioning after the stress goes away.

Bad stress occurs when you cannot easily return to a normal state and your body may experience physical challenges. Common signs of increased stress include:

Problems sleeping or eating (e.g. nightmares)
Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
Trouble making decisions or procrastinating
Anxiety or confusion over unimportant things
Frequent headaches, backaches, or muscle aches
Nagging angry feelings or hostility
Dizziness and shortness of breath- "anxiety attacks"

Stress levels will affect the immune system, nervous system, heart function, metabolism, and hormone levels. Stress effects susceptibility and recovery from illness/injury. This is very important for an athlete and their coaches to know and be aware of to maximize outcomes during practices/games.

Quick ways to handle stress include:

Relax where you are through deep breathing and take a break, everyday
Prioritize and create a to-do-list in order of importance- buy a calendar and set up a daily schedule
Think positive and keep expectations realistic
Take care of your health by exercising regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, avoid drugs/alcohol

"Typical" college students do not have the buffer that athletics can serve in releasing stress; however, participating in sports also increases stress levels. Athletes experience additional time demands from missing classes because of travel and making up missed assignments, academic pressure, loss of "star status" experienced in high school, financial pressure to keep scholarships, and injury.

University athletic departments must recognize the demands placed on athletes during this critical adjustment to college through the implementation of prevention programs. These prevention programs should include student athletes participating in groups to share common experiences, which will serve as a support mechanism for each athlete.

College athletes that have established a social niche share similar interests and goals and will not experience feelings of social isolation or trouble resisting peer pressure. Freshman should have limited weekly practice time and mandatory counseling to address time management, burnout, fear of failure, anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Family and friends are extremely important in this process by providing unconditional positive regard for the student regardless of performance.

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