2021 Annual Meeting Pediatrics Access Pass-Mental Health and the Adolescent Athlete

Mental Health and the Adolescent Athlete

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Kate Webster discusses mental health challenges in adolescent athletes, especially related to injury. Adolescents are vulnerable due to physical, social, and psychological changes, with rising depression rates. While sports provide mental health benefits mostly through social support, injuries can trigger or worsen depressive symptoms, often undetected as many athletes hesitate to disclose struggles. Factors like fear of re-injury, athletic identity loss, and coping styles influence recovery and return to sport. Psychological readiness predicts outcomes; younger athletes often show greater readiness. Webster emphasizes the need for monitoring mental health, fostering open communication, and integrating psychological care for optimal athlete recovery.

Asset Caption

Dr. Kate Webster, PhD, DPT

Keywords

adolescent athletes

mental health challenges

sports injuries

depression in youth

psychological readiness