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Being a successful athlete puts a lot of pressure on an individual. He or she needs to practice and participate in physical conditioning almost every day and this 
athlete needs to regularly compete in games. Student athletes need to do all of this, plus maintain their GPA and study for class. Sometimes, the pressure of all this can just become too much. This can lead to Athlete Burnout.
Athlete burnout is a response to the chronic stress of continued demands in a sport or activity without the opportunity for physical or mental rest and recovery. Athletic trainers (ATs) work with their athletes every day and, for the safety of the individual player and the whole team, need to be aware of the signs of athlete burnout.
Signs and symptoms of athlete burnout include:
- Leveling off or diminished performance or conditioning
- Physiological signs such as having a higher resting heart rate and blood pressure
- Difficulty concentrating or diminished work
- Illness as a result of a suppressed immune system
- Disinterest in activities, moodiness, or irritability
- Low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression as a result of falling short of sport demands
Athletic trainers are trained in spotting these signs of athlete burnout, and preventing this outcome by making sure athletes are not overtraining. If an athlete is starting to show the signs of burnout, they should seek help from their primary care physician. If physical issues are ruled out, the athlete may benefit from psychological help.
Rest and time away from the sport are the two best methods for treating and preventing athlete burnout. A short break from their routine may be just what the athlete needs to recharge and come back ready to work.
The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) developed this infographic which goes into more detail about understanding athlete burnout. Learn more about athlete burnout by clicking here.
Editor’s note: Mental health is a sensitive topic and any concerns about an athlete’s mental health should be discussed with a primary healthcare provider or trained psychologist. If someone you know is in immediate crisis intervention, call 1-800-273-talk (8255) or go to your local emergency room.