🧠Ingredient 5: Supporting Young Athletes Emotionally
Teen athletes are still developing coping mechanisms.
After tragedy, they may experience:
-
Anxiety about safety
-
Difficulty concentrating
-
Loss of motivation
-
Survivor’s guilt
-
Fear of returning to training
Coaches and parents should:
-
Offer optional practice days
-
Provide access to counselors
-
Encourage open conversations
-
Watch for behavioral shifts
Mental health support is not weakness.
It is prevention.
