University is challenging for all students but student-athletes face additional demands and pressures that can impact their mental health. All Thunderwolves have and will experience challenging situations, ups and downs and a full range of emotions during their career but taking care of your mental health can help you successfully navigate these obstacles and opportunities while performing at your best. Just as you have spent hours training your body to meet the physical demands of your sports, you have to put effort into developing and practicing strategies that help you manage psychological demands in order to succeed in your academic and athletic pursuits. Lakehead is here to support you during your post-secondary career and help you grow and excel in your sport, in the classroom and, most importantly, as a person.

Research has demonstrated a strong connection between mental health and sport performance, indicating that as an athlete’s mental health either worsens or improves, performance falls or rises accordingly. Studies have shown that between 70 and 85% of successful and unsuccessful athletes can be identified on the basis of their current state of mental health. Similarly, one’s mental health has a very strong effect on academic performance. The better your overall health (mind & body), the more likely you will perform at an optimal level in all aspects of your life.