Fighting the Increased Depression and Anxiety in Student Athletes During COVID-19

When it comes to the effects of COVID-19, most of us jump to thoughts of coughing, labored breathing, and high fevers. However, there is a much deeper and darker toll being taken on young people who have not even contracted the virus.

The implications of COVID-19 is impacting the mental health of many high school and college students, especially athletes.

Following current mandates such as social distancing and closures of many common activities has led to a major disruption in rhythm and routine. There are few activities that provide a more stable and consistent routine for students than our nation’s athletic programs. With cancellations/postponements of fall athletics across the country, many young athletes are suffering from increased mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Science Explains the Societal Impact of COVID on our Brains

With so many activities being canceled, it is more important than ever to provide opportunities for high school and college athletes to stay active. Periods of increased physical activity provided by organized sports provide many benefits to the brain, especially during the high neurogenesis developmental period of adolescence that we now know extends into adulthood.

Just because regular activities are canceled for students does not mean there is any less pressure on high school and college athletes. In fact, current conditions are causing even more stress for many young people in our country. The expectation to succeed at a high level academically and socially is leading to increased stress, which in turn further hinders neurogenesis due to cortisol producing hormones being released by the hypothalamus.

In a recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and Public Health, researchers discovered that 68% of student-athletes across the state showed signs of depression. This is a number 3.5 times higher than found in research conducted prior to the pandemic. There is no doubt that countless adolescent and young adult athletes are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety due to shutdowns.

What Can Be Done to Combat Depression in Student-Athletes during COVID?

Fortunately, even though practices, games, and workouts have been canceled or postponed, there are still ways student-athletes can enjoy the benefits of physical fitness, which they need for maintaining mental health now more than ever. Resistance training can provide many health benefits even when only exercising a few times a week and can easily be done in the safety of your home thanks to resistance bands.

Many schools, public gyms and pools that student-athletes frequent have also been shut down to combat the spread of coronavirus. However, resistance band training can be down at home, in a front yard, on the field, or even in a backyard pool. Manufacturers like NZ Manufacturing provide gear for stretching, exercising, and training in all environments and all conditions. Using resistance bands to increase physical activity can provide safe social interaction with a friend or two as well.

The use of resistance bands like Strechcordz® or Turfcordz® gear improves muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, however, the greatest benefit for students currently might be those you can’t see—decreased depression and anxiety while maintaining training for when they are back in action with the team. Call NZ Manufacturing at 800-886-6621 or check out some of our top selling products to keep your student-athletes physically and mentally healthy!