Flock Talk: Everybody Hurts
EARLY CAMP THOUGHTS:
It is always difficult to truly know much about where a team stands even after eight or nine practices without actually watching the practices. Most coaches in today’s world of college football are pretty good at sounding alarms to keep teams energized, then turning to praise to ensure that criticism is not too overboard. “Coachspeak” is a language all its own and can be difficult to parse into truth.
What I do know is that there is some truth to the praise being heaped onto some players early. The linebacker corps is going to be significantly better this year than a year ago. I think it says a lot when someone like Devon Jackson (who reportedly added 21 pounds from his listed 214 last season) talks about how difficult it was to understand the defense a year ago and the progression he has made in that regard.
That tells me a lot about where the defense is going to be and I think that this defense has the talent to be a top 15-level unit nationally. If the line is gelling as well as Ajani Cornelius indicated earlier this week, that means that the Ducks could be very, very good on both sides of the ball – and that should put them in contention for a Pac-12 Championship and potential College Football Playoff berth.
RECRUITING NOTES:
- I still do not expect Jeremiah McClellan to be a Duck. This one almost surely goes Ohio State.
- The only known upcoming decision is Brayden Platt and I like where Oregon stands there.
- I do expect the season to play out well for Oregon from a recruiting perspective. There are going to be some big-time players making a visit during the season. Most notably, having Brandon Baker make a visit to Autzen this season – one which could have some magical moments – is going to be big. In fact, it would not surprise me to see him make more than one visit during the season.
- I think he will help with Aydin Breland and that could be a major boon for the Ducks defensive line in the 2024 class.
- Yes, I still like where Oregon stands with Jason Brown and I expect that to be one which works to Oregon’s favor as well.
EVERYBODY HURTS
College sports have always been characterized by competition and camaraderie, but recent changes in conference alignments have introduced a new challenge for student-athletes - increased travel. Today in Flock Talk we explore the implications of conference realignment on college student-athletes' circadian rhythms and behavioral health. Circadian rhythms, which govern the body's internal clock, play a vital role in regulating various physiological processes. Disruptions to these rhythms, caused by factors like travel-induced jet lag, night-shift work, and exposure to artificial light at night, can lead to mood disorders and negative impacts on mental health.
When Oregon announced their move to the B1G last Friday, there were a myriad of responses from jubilant fans and happy football players, to confused fans, but the ones that started to stand out were the responses of some Oregon softball players who questioned the move. There were plenty of people who were dismissive of their concerns – but their concerns are real and the dismissive attitude toward legitimate concerns can be troubling.
It was early 2018 when Washington State QB Tyler Hilinski committed suicide. In 2022 Sarah Shulze, Katie Meyer, Jayden Hill, Robert Martin and Lauren Bernett all passed away during March and April. And, for a brief time, we all thought about the mental health of student athletes. Athletes who, from the outside looking in, may have seemed like they had everything going for them. But away from the field, could have struggled with mental health issues that no one knew about. But like too many things, they drifted away from our consciousness.
Football is a sport that has been wracked with significant mental health issues over the last decade including the impact of multiple concussions and CTE along with plenty of anecdotal evidence that mental health of elite athletes is as fragile as any other group; maybe even more so.
A recent article discusses the results of a follow-up study on the well-being of NCAA student-athletes, building on studies conducted in 2020. The study indicates that mental health concerns among student-athletes remain elevated. Rates of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and depression have seen little change since fall 2020 and remain 1.5 to two times higher than pre-pandemic levels. However, hopelessness levels have decreased compared to the initial year of the pandemic.
The survey gathered responses from over 9,800 student-athletes and was designed collaboratively by NCAA research, the NCAA Sport Science Institute, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committees of Divisions I, II, and III. Notably, the study did not compare student-athlete responses to those of the broader college student population dealing with similar mental health issues.
The survey reveals that although a majority of student-athletes knew where to seek help for mental health concerns on campus, fewer than half felt comfortable actually seeking assistance from a mental health provider. This gap between awareness and comfort suggests a need for continued efforts to reduce stigma and promote open conversations about mental health.
The article highlights the importance of campus conversations and support in influencing student-athletes' attitudes toward mental health. Anecdotal evidence from a mental health clinical counselor suggests that when campuses encourage open discussions about mental health, student-athletes become more comfortable seeking help.
The study also explored perceptions of mental health support within the sports environment. A majority of participants felt their teammates took mental health concerns seriously, and most believed they knew how to assist a teammate experiencing a mental health issue. However, fewer participants felt that their athletics department or coaches prioritized their mental health concerns.
The survey revealed that mental health concerns were more prevalent among specific demographic subgroups, including women, student-athletes of color, those on the queer spectrum, and those reporting family economic hardship. The study measured factors such as mental exhaustion, sleep difficulties, anxiety, sadness, a sense of loss, and hopelessness.
The article also touches on student-athletes' academic experiences, indicating that they were more optimistic about their ability to manage their courses in fall 2021 compared to the previous academic years. The study also mentioned that mental health, conflicts with coaches or teammates, and playing time were cited as reasons for contemplating transfers among student-athletes.
The article concludes by mentioning that student-athletes continue to engage in community service, social and civic activities, and learning about social injustices. It also highlights their interest in educational resources related to financial literacy, career planning, navigating name, image, and likeness opportunities, and professional opportunities in sports.
Add in the reality of travel on physical and mental health and the concerns are heightened.
Circadian rhythms, often referred to as the body's internal clock, synchronize biological and behavioral processes to the natural 24-hour solar day. These rhythms are controlled by molecular clockworks within the brain, reset daily to precisely 24 hours by exposure to the light-dark cycle. The mammalian hypothalamus acts as the master clock, transmitting temporal information to the entire body through humoral and neural communication. A bidirectional relationship exists between circadian rhythms and mood disorders, where disruptions in circadian-controlled responses like sleep patterns and cortisol secretion can exacerbate affective symptoms in susceptible individuals. Recent research has highlighted the direct interactions between circadian systems and mood regulation, underscoring the significance of maintaining well-functioning circadian rhythms.
With the advent of electric light, the boundaries between day and night have blurred. The proliferation of artificial light sources, including electronic devices, has led to light pollution that affects more than 80% of humans in industrial societies. This disruption to the natural light-dark cycle has health implications, particularly for individuals who work night shifts. Night shift workers are prone to a range of health disparities, including increased rates of cancer, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic issues, and psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of behavioral health and mood disorders among night shift workers underscores the impact of circadian disruption on mental well-being.
Jet lag, a transient sleep problem that arises when individuals cross multiple time zones, further challenges circadian rhythms. The misalignment between internal rhythms and external cues results in disturbed sleep, daytime fatigue, hormone fluctuations, gastrointestinal issues, and mood changes. Traveling across time zones, a common scenario for college student-athletes due to conference realignment, can lead to persistent jet lag symptoms and impact overall health. Studies have shown that mood changes, particularly dysphoric mood, are prevalent in individuals experiencing jet lag, further emphasizing the relationship between circadian rhythms and mental health.
Beyond travel-induced jet lag, a phenomenon called 'social jet lag' affects a larger proportion of the population. Social jet lag occurs when individuals shift their sleep-wake patterns due to changing social obligations, such as work or school schedules. College student-athletes, in particular, face challenges aligning their sleep patterns with academic demands and athletic commitments. The discrepancies between sleep duration and timing on school/work days and days off highlight the impact of social influences on sleep behavior.
Conference realignment has brought about increased travel for college student-athletes, potentially disrupting their circadian rhythms and behavioral health. The intricate relationship between circadian rhythms and mood disorders underscores the importance of maintaining well-regulated internal clocks. As college athletes navigate rigorous schedules and changing time zones, strategies to mitigate circadian disruption become crucial. Promoting awareness of the impact of travel-related disruptions on mental health and implementing strategies for improved sleep hygiene can contribute to the overall well-being of student-athletes in the dynamic landscape of college sports.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Conversations surrounding mental health within sports can significantly impact athletes' attitudes. By fostering open discussions and reducing stigma, we can empower student-athletes to prioritize their mental well-being. Athletes' perceptions of their coaches and athletics departments also play a crucial role in shaping their mental health experiences. It's essential that institutions prioritize mental health support, creating an environment where athletes feel valued both as competitors and individuals.
Furthermore, this study reveals that specific demographic subgroups, including women, student-athletes of color, and those facing economic hardship, are particularly affected by mental health concerns. This emphasizes the need for targeted support systems that address the unique challenges these athletes face.
As we navigate the landscape of college sports, it's crucial to acknowledge the profound effects of travel on athletes' mental health. Circadian rhythms, the body's internal clock, play a critical role in regulating mood and behavior. Disrupting these rhythms, as is often the case with increased travel, can have serious implications for mental health. The importance of maintaining well-regulated internal clocks cannot be overstated, especially in the context of conference realignment and changing schedules.
To truly support our student-athletes, we must collectively recognize and address the mental health challenges they face. Dismissing concerns, whether related to conference moves or general well-being, can perpetuate a harmful cycle. It's time to prioritize mental health in college sports, fostering an environment where all student-athletes feel valued, understood, and supported – both on and off the field.
If you're on your own in this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much
Of this life to hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
Everybody hurts, sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes
So hold on, hold on H
old on, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts
References:
- "Suicides spike as NCAA athletes struggle with exhaustion, anxiety and more” https://abc13.com/college-athletics-mental-health-in-sports-athlete-suicides-ncaa-athletes-struggle-anxiety/11920132/
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