Athlete Over-Exhaustion
Simone Biles is a star in the athletic world, and a gymnast that young athletes across the world aim to be. Someone who has trained, and persevered to become one of the best athletes of all time, but exhaustion still did not spare her. This issue is not unique to her; with athletes like herself, Michael Phelps, Naomi Osaka, and many more speaking out about the struggles of burnout in professional sports. Their stories highlight the severity of the issue. But how did they escape burnout? How did they treat it? Why did it happen to them?
What is it?
Burn-out, defined as “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration” is often confused with depression or exhaustion (3). But what really is it? Burn-out is the response to chronic stress from continued demands in an activity without sufficient physical or mental rest. Specifically, athletic burnout is a syndrome resulting from relentless training and sports-related stress leading to feelings of staleness, exhaustion, fatigue, and other burnout symptoms.
Athletes and individuals facing burnout experience it at various levels. Initially, it may slightly hinder an athlete's performance, but over time can significantly impact their physical and mental well-being, impacting daily life both on and off the field. Similar to depression, symptoms of burnout most often include that of a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, diminished performance, loss of strength and stamina, and chronic fatigue. Cognitive issues could also occur, such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and poor effort in school or work. Physiologically, burnout can lead to increased illness due to a suppressed immune system, and an elevated heart rate and blood pressure due to heightened stress levels. Mentally, burnout can cause disinterest, moodiness, irritability, low self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression.
Statistics of Athletic Burn-Out
Burnout is a pervasive issue in the athletic community. According to a 2019 study by the International Olympic Committee, approximately 35% of elite athletes experience symptoms of burnout during their careers (6). However, this issue is not confined to the top athletes; younger athletes in more intensive or serious sports are also facing high rates of athletic burnout. Approximately 10% of young athletes face severe burnout that affects their performance and well-being (9). This prevalence of younger athletes facing athletic burnout is more common in sports with intense training schedules and higher expectations like gymnastics, swimming, and tennis.
In youth sports, burnout can lead to a significant dropout rate, and that has been seen all across America as the study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that around 70% of children quit organized sports by the age of 13, with burnout and the professionalization of youth sports being leading factors (2). This early dropout can have long-term effects on physical activity levels and overall health, as children who leave sports early on are less likely to engage in regular physical activity later in life.
Symptoms and Signs of Burnout (5)
Physical symptoms
Chronic fatigue: persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest.
Diminished performance: noticeable decline in athletic performance, strength, and stamina.
Increased illness: higher frequency of colds and other infections due to a weakened immune system.
Injury susceptibility: increased risk of injuries, often due to overuse and lack of proper recovery time
Sleep disturbances: difficulty sleeping which exacerbates fatigue and hinders recovery.
Mental and emotional symptoms
Loss of interest: Diminished enthusiasm for the sport and related activities.
Mood changes: increased irritability, moodiness, and feelings of sadness or depression.
Anxiety: Heightened levels of stress and anxiety, often related to performance pressures.
Low self-esteem: Negative self-perception and doubts about one’s abilities.
Cognitive issues: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and a general decline in mental speed.
Causes of Burnout (8).
Overtraining
Most often being the primary cause of burnout, overtraining can be defined as when athletes refuse to allow their bodies sufficient time to recover from training.
High Expectations
Both self-imposed and external expectations can contribute to burnout. Athletes often feel immense pressure to perform at high levels consistently, leading to chronic stress and exhaustion.
Lack of Balance
A lack of balance between sports, school, work, and social life can lead to burnout. Athletes who deviate all their time to training without engaging in other activities are at a higher risk due to the increased mental strain.
Poor Coaching
Coaches who push athletes too hard without considering their well-being can contribute to burnout. Unrealistic goals, excessive criticism, and a lack of support are detrimental to an athlete.
Consequences of Burnout
Consequences can range from the physical to the psychological. Physically, athletic burnout can lead to chronic injuries and persistent health issues which significantly hinder an athlete’s career, and overall quality of life. Mentally, athletes who have experienced, or are experiencing athletic burnout face issues such as depression, anxiety, and loss of identity. What’s more, athletic burnout can socially strain relationships with coaches, teammates, family, and friends, leading to increased social isolation; it’s this isolation that further exacerbates the problem, creating a vicious cycle of stress and withdrawal.
Prevention and Treatment (1, 4)
There are many ways to prevent and treat athletic burnout, but arguably the most important way is through rest and recovery. Incorporating adequate rest periods into training schedules is crucial. This includes ensuring athletes get enough sleep, take regular breaks from training, and incorporate recovery days. Along with rest, mental health support is also a vital task when preventing and treating burnout. Providing access to mental health resources, such as sports psychologists or counselors, can help athletes manage stress, and develop coping strategies. These skills will be beneficial for the athlete in treating burnout.
Having a balanced training regimen is also another effective way to prevent athletic burnout. Trainers and coaches should emphasize a balanced training program that includes both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, maintaining a balance between athletics and personal life is crucial for preventing burnout, as it allows the athlete time for breaks and recharging.
However, the most important way to prevent burnout is through increasing awareness about the signs and symptoms of it among athletes, coaches, and parents. Educational programs on stress management and healthy training practices are also beneficial. When prioritizing both physical and mental health, athletes can sustain their passion for sports without having to risk their mental well-being.
Conclusion
Athletic burnout is a serious issue that affects athletes of all ages and levels. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early, implementing preventive measures, and providing comprehensive support systems are essential in addressing this problem. By prioritizing both physical and mental health, athletes can sustain their passion for sports and achieve a healthy balance in their lives.
Sources
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Borelli, Stephen. “70% of Kids Drop out of Youth Sports by Age 13. Here’s Why and How to Fix It, per Aap.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 7 Feb. 2024, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/01/22/70-of-kids-drop-out-of-youth-sports-by-13-new-aap-study-reveals-why/72310189007/.
“Burnout Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burnout. Accessed 22 June 2024.
Choc. “How to Prevent Burnout in Young Athletes - Choc - Children’s Health Hub.” CHOC, 25 Apr. 2024, health.choc.org/how-to-prevent-burnout-in-young-athletes/.
Darling Downs Health. “Signs You Might Be Experiencing a Burnout and How to Regain Balance in Your Life.” Darling Downs Health, 17 Sept. 2023, www.darlingdowns.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/our-stories/feature-articles/signs-you-might-be-experiencing-a-burnout-and-how-to-regain-balance-in-your-life.
Reardon, Claudia, and et al. “Mental Health in Elite Athletes - British Journal of Sports ...” Consensus Statement, 2019, bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/53/11/667.full.pdf.
Understanding Athlete Burnout & Mental Health, www.nata.org/sites/default/files/mental_health_handout.pdf. Accessed 22 June 2024.
“Understanding Student-Athlete Burnout.” NCAA.Org, www.ncaa.org/sports/2014/12/10/understanding-student-athlete-burnout.aspx#:~:text=What%20leads%20to%20burnout%20is,e.g.%2C%20Metzler%2C%202002. Accessed 22 June 2024.
Wilczyńska, Dominika, et al. “Burnout and Mental Interventions among Youth Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Studies.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 Aug. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9517900/.