Anxiety doesn't necessarily have to be a negative thing, especially in the world of sports. However, when anxiety becomes so overwhelming that it affects your performance, then it's concerning and you could possibly be suffering from an anxiety disorder. When athletes prepare to compete, their bodies usually respond by going into what psychologists call "fight or flight" mode. When someone goes into either fight or flight mode, levels of anxiety increase along with its symptoms.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
If an athlete suffers from generalized anxiety disorder, she is affected when competing, at school and at home. She probably worries constantly about her athletic performance, may have trouble sleeping due to racing thoughts, becomes nauseous when worried and feels out of control. She might also have accompanying physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweaty palms and trembling hands. As an athletic performance gets closer in time, these symptoms would increase, and after the performance, they probably decrease. An athlete might begin to experience this type of anxiety if he needs on an athletic scholarship for school or is making money to support his family. He might feel overwhelmed, lack of confidence and have a low self-esteem.
Panic Disorder
An athlete who suffers from panic disorder might display the symptoms right before her performance. This disorder is characterized by panic attacks during which someone feels completely out of control, feels like she might die, has a pounding heart and sweaty palms, and has trouble breathing. These attacks come on without warning and can greatly impact an athlete's life. Someone with this disorder may always fear having a panic attack.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
People who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder have obsessive thoughts and participate in compulsive behaviors. For example, an athlete with this disorder may have to tie his running shoes ten times before racing or feel that he has to make 20 baskets in practice to win the game. This disorder affects athletes greatly, because if an athlete is not capable of fulfilling his compulsive behaviors, he may set himself up for doing poorly because he is convinced he will do poorly. This disorder is much more than superstitions; it affects the person's daily life.
Phobia
Some people suffer from specific phobias, such as being afraid of heights or spiders. These phobias can negatively impact an athlete if he is exposed to his phobia while he is trying to practice or compete. For instance, say a long distance runner has a phobia of dogs and someone brings her dog to the outdoor race; he may be unable to compete because he is scared of the dog.
