Table 1.

Triggering Events³

Events may serve to trigger a new mental or emotional health concern or exacerbate an existing condition in a student-athlete. Some examples of these triggering events are

• Poor performance or perceived poor performance by the student-athlete

• Conflicts with coaches or teammates

• A debilitating injury or illness, resulting in a loss of playing time or surgery

• Concussions

• Class concerns: schedule, grades, amount of work

• Lack of playing time

• Family and relationship issues

• Changes in importance of sport, expectations by self/parents, role of sport in life

• Violence: being assaulted, a victim of domestic violence, automobile accident, or merely witnessing a personal injury or assault on a family member, friend, or teammate

• Bullying or hazing

• Adapting to school schedule

• Lack of sleep

• History of mental disorder

• Burnout from sport or school

• Anticipated end of playing career

• Sudden end of career due to injury or medical condition

• Death of a loved one or close friend

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• Significant dieting or weight loss

• History of physical or sexual abuse

• Gambling problems

Adapted with permission from the National Collegiate Athletic Association.