Academic & Athletic Stress Therapist for Teens & Young Adults in Fairfax, VA
What Is Academic & Athletic Stress and How Is It Affecting Teens & Young Adults in Northern VA?
Academic and athletic stress are two big pressure points for teens and young adults. School and sports can be wonderful sources of growth, discipline, and pride—but they can also bring overwhelming expectations. Boys, in particular, often feel like they need to “measure up” academically, athletically, or both, and that pressure can take a toll on their mental health. Here’s how it can show up:
- Performance anxiety: Worry about grades, tests, or game-day performance can lead to sleepless nights or avoidance.
- Perfectionism: Feeling like nothing they do is “good enough,” even when they’re working hard.
- Physical strain: Overtraining or burnout from balancing school, sports, and other commitments.
- Emotional impact: Stress may come out as irritability, frustration, or shutting down instead of asking for help.
- Identity pressure: Some young people tie their self-worth to achievements, making setbacks feel devastating.
- Sports Injuries: Being sidelined by an injury can cause feelings of depression and anxiety
For parents, it’s important to recognize that while striving for excellence is healthy, too much pressure can lead to anxiety, depression, or loss of motivation. With open conversations, balance, and encouragement, we can help your teen or young adult learn to pursue their goals without sacrificing their well-being.
Our Approach to Academic & Athletic Stress
At Cabush, Paul & Associates, our therapists use evidence-based practices to help teens and young adults balance performance demands with self-care. Techniques may include stress management, goal-setting, and reframing pressure into motivation. We work to reduce perfectionism, manage burnout, and develop resilience, often coordinating with coaches, teachers, and parents for consistent support.
Our broader mix of practices for academic and athletic stress include:
This practice didn’t just help our son—they helped our whole family. We’ve learned how to communicate better, set boundaries with compassion, and support him in a way that actually works.”
Academic & Athletic Stress Coping Strategies for Parents
Here are three strategies parents can use to support teens or young adults facing academic or athletic stress:
Emphasize effort over outcome – Celebrate persistence, improvement, and resilience rather than grades, scores, or wins to reduce pressure and keep motivation healthy.
Help with balance and downtime – Encourage breaks, sleep, and non-performance activities (friends, hobbies, relaxation) to prevent burnout and restore energy.
Teach stress-management tools – Guide him or her in using breathing techniques, visualization, or time management strategies to approach challenges with more confidence and calm.
Academic & Athletic Stress: Myth Vs. Fact
Myth: Stress just means they are just pushing themselves to succeed.
Fact: Constant stress can wear them down, leading to burnout, anxiety, or even depression.
Myth: Only kids who are struggling feel stressed.
Fact: High-achievers and top athletes often feel the most pressure to perform.
Myth: If he or she loves their sport or subject, stress won’t affect them.
Fact: Even passions can create pressure when expectations feel too high.
Myth: Stress builds character—they’ll toughen up.
Fact: Unmanaged stress can actually harm confidence and motivation.
Myth: Taking breaks is “slacking.”
Fact: Rest and balance are essential for both performance and mental health.
Contact Us for a Free Phone Consultation About Academic & Athletic Stress
Call us at (703) 691-0036 or fill in our easy contact form.