Einstein famously said, “The exaggerated esteem in which my lifework is held makes me very ill at ease. I feel compelled to think of myself as an involuntary swindler.” This led many people to believe that Einstein suffered from imposter syndrome.
But what is imposter syndrome?
The Cleveland Health Clinic defines imposter syndrome as a psychological phenomenon where someone persistently feels like a fraud, disbelieves in the legitimacy of their own success and has a fear of being exposed.
While imposter syndrome is not a diagnosable mental illness, it was recognized as a cognitive distortion by psychologists Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clancein the 1970s. Some studies show that 70-80% of people deal with imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. Others show imposter syndrome is found to be very prevalent in 54% of women and 38% of men.
To make matters worse, imposter syndrome tends to be extremely prevalent in highly achieving people, especially athletes. The syndrome really becomes a problem when it leads to other diagnosable mental health challenges, such anxiety and depression. It is even linked with decreased performance.
But imposter syndrome is just one of many reasons that athletes suffer from mental health issues. A high workload places extra stress for athletes still in school. Oak Park athletes go home around 2 to 2:30 p.m., and then go to practice for two more hours getting home only around 4:30 to 5 p.m. From there they have to study for tests and finish homework. Being able to then get out and compete or play during games and competitions tends to become laborious and diminish performance quality. Competing is what makes school so special for some students here at OPHS, and when hard work fades into hints of doubt, the mindset of an athlete is tarnished.
“Racing is a mindset,” junior cross country runner Naomi Lazarus wrote to the Talon. “It takes months of training to be able to run the time you want, but it takes belief in yourself and your training to actually accomplish it.”
The burnout that these athletes feel is entirely justified, which is why it’s important we at Oak Park focus on highlighting the importance of taking care of your mental health.
“Being the captain of two teams at Oak Park has been an amazing opportunity, but comes with the hefty responsibility of keeping your team and all of its players healthy and happy,” captain of the water polo and swim team Trey Williams said.
One of the most effective ways to improve mental health is by forming a sense of comradery with peers and spending time with friends.
“There are two ways I go about improving the mental health of my teams,” Williams said. “The first is by always being friendly and showing interest in the achievements of others. This makes players feel included and valued for their efforts. The second is by taking time to conduct team bonding activities outside of practices or games.”
A 2023 study published by the NIH highlighted how the current mental health crisis is especially challenging for youth athletes. Creating an environment where athletes feel comfortable acknowledging their struggles and seeking help can make a huge difference in keeping mental health in check.
Conversations around mental health in sports are a good start, but there’s still work to be done. Oak Park’s commitment to keeping students mentally healthy is shown by the recent introduction of the wellness center on campus.
It is also important that athletes take accountability for their own mental health. According to Kaiser Permenente, there are six big things that athletes can do to improve their own mental health. These include creating a support system, drawing boundaries, developing a self-care program, setting goals, positive self-talk and seeking help.
Athletes are a very prone group to mental health issues primarily due to their lack of time for themselves and constantly comparing themselves to the competition.
With 36.2% of young adults having any mental illness, it is important that athletes especially seek help and employ tactics like those above to ensure they are in a good mindset for competition and for their lives in general.
Things bring us to the bigger issue. Mental health is important because athletes’ mental health doesn’t just affect whether or not they are on their A-game and can perform, it determines their day-to-day living.
Ultimately, mental health in athletes should be seen as an integral part of their overall success. It’s not enough to only focus on physical training and competition results; mental well-being must also be prioritized. As athletes push themselves to achieve greatness, they also need to take steps to ensure they’re caring for their minds. Schools, coaches, and teammates can all play a role in creating a culture that supports mental health. Offering a supportive environment can go a long way in helping athletes feel seen and valued beyond their performance.
By addressing the mental health struggles athletes face—whether it’s imposter syndrome, burnout or the pressure to constantly perform—we can help them not only become better competitors but also more well-rounded individuals. A healthy mindset is the foundation for success, both on and off the field. By fostering resilience, encouraging self-care, and promoting understanding, we can ensure that athletes thrive in every aspect of their lives.
