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WANT TO COMPETE MORE EFFECTIVELY?

During the past academic year alone the Counseling Center consulted with over 51 student-athletes for issues including stress and time management, dealing with athletic injury, depressive symptoms including lack of energy and sleep difficulties, and improving team chemistry. As a result, we believe that their distress was alleviated more quickly, allowing these athletes to compete more effectively on the field and in the classroom.

With the predictable periods of personal and academic stress during the academic year, we would like to remind you of the resources available to you should you need assistance in dealing with difficulties. Pressures are commonly generated by anxieties related to adapting to a new environment, athletic performance, grades and exams, fear of failure, establishing and maintaining relationships, or concerns about employment or admittance to graduate school.

Loyola's athletes' natural talent, diligence, and commitment to their sport have led to high levels of achievement. However, the mental skills associated with higher-level performance, especially under pressure, can be diminished by certain kinds of emotional stress. An extremely common problem is depression. Some studies indicate that as much as 25% of a college population may report depression at a given time. Frequent signs of mood disorders include: extreme sadness, crying, withdrawal, suicidal thinking, loss of energy, or loss of interest in work or others. Less common signs include: unusual energy, extreme talkativeness, grandiose ideas, or inability to sleep because of excessive energy or aggressiveness.

The demands placed on student-athletes usually exceed the demands experienced by nonathlete students. In addition to academic pressure, student athletes face a number of special strains including extreme internal or external pressure to perform, training, traveling, maintaining academic eligibility, remaining in compliance with the NCAA's set of ever-changing regulations, and undergoing public scrutiny. Other situational factors which are likely to cause temporary, but occasionally serious, disturbances are: dealing with an injury, excessive change, loss of a loved one, sexual assault or date rape, and loss of a relationship. Common signs of such disturbance include: unusually high anxiety, feelings of helplessness, acute depression, disorientation, loss of previous ability to concentrate, or impulsive decisions. Alcohol and other drug abuse, as well as self-destructive eating patterns, are common responses to situational stress in the college population. These substance abuse problems, including food abuse, are also important mental health concerns in their own right and may pose serious, chronic threats to optimal performance.

Preparing the student-athlete for effective performance behavior in a demanding situation can enhance the ability to set and achieve goals, increase motivation, regulate attention and arousal levels, and deal efficiently with distractions. In addition, focusing on time management skills, test anxiety, and regulating aggression can enhance the athlete's ability to function and contribute to team climate.

THE COUNSELING CENTER CAN HELP - For psychological information and advice regarding yourself, a student-athlete, or other person about whom you are concerned, call 410-617-5109 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Two of our staff members are certified sports psychologists. For emergencies occurring after hours or on weekends, call Campus Police at 410-617-5911 or use 911. The Counseling Center offers confidential psychological services at no charge for Loyola College students.