According to the National Institute for MentalHealth, it’s estimated that about 32% of all adolescents in the USA have some form of anxiety and about 8% have what would be classified as severe anxiety.
It shouldn’tbe surprising then that the estimates for anxiety disorders in young athletes is also high.
While there are only a limited number of high-quality studies about anxiety specific to the athleticpopulation, it’s still estimated that more than 30% of collegiate student-athletes have experienced overwhelming anxiety.
Anxiety disorders have a profoundly negative impact on qualityof life as well as overall health. We also have evidence that student-athletes with preseason anxiety anddepression are statistically higher risk for developing in-season sport-related injuries.
The exact mechanisms in which this happens are unknown, but it’s clear that recognition andtreatment are critical.
The good news is that when anxiety and depression are recognized, they can be successfully treated and lead to substantial improvements in quality of life. As coaches,parents, and teammates we can go a long way to helping those in need by recognizing possible signs of anxiety or depression.
The graphic below, 
KEYPOINTS:
• It’s estimated that about 30% of collegiate student-athletes have experienced overwhelming anxiety.
• Anxiety and depression,when untreated, have negative effects on quality of life, physical health, and also lead to increased sport injury risk.
• Early recognition and treatment are critical, helpfultips are provided in the attached graphic from the NCAA (link).
(Dr. Dev K. Mishra, a Clinical Assistant Professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford University, isthe creator of the SidelineSportsDoc.com online injury management course and the