Youth Turn to Sports to Manage Mental Health
A new report from Crisis Text Line identifies athletic activity as a key coping strategy for young people in distress.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Youth
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A new report by Crisis Text Line, funded by Nike, reveals that sports serve as a vital coping mechanism for teenagers facing mental health struggles. The study analyzed crisis conversations from 2022 to 2024 to understand how physical movement helps youth navigate personal challenges.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the significant role that organized sports and physical activity play in supporting the emotional well-being of young people in crisis. By mapping these trends, advocates hope to better understand how movement mitigates feelings of isolation and stress.
Among youth who mentioned sports, 38.2% discussed anxiety and stress, while 37.3% referenced depression and 23.6% cited feelings of isolation. These texters also frequently mentioned other coping mechanisms, including social connection at 27% and making art at 25%.
The players
Crisis Text Line
This non-profit organization provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention.
Nike
This global corporation specializes in the design, development, and marketing of athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment.
The details
Commonly cited activities among texters included running, basketball, volleyball, skateboarding, and general workouts. The report, titled Sports as a Coping Strategy for Youth in Crisis, compares physical movement to other therapeutic outlets to demonstrate the breadth of current youth coping strategies.
Timeline
Crisis Text Line launched in 2013.
The partnership between Nike and Crisis Text Line began in 2021.
Data analyzed in the report covers the period from 2022 to 2024.
The report was released on October 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
This research reflects a growing shift toward holistic mental health approaches that integrate physical activity into traditional support structures. It highlights the importance of movement in a landscape where traditional coping resources are often overwhelmed.
For parents and coaches, these findings suggest that encouraging consistent physical activity can serve as an accessible mental health tool for children. Implementing regular athletic routines may help youth manage daily stress and reduce feelings of loneliness.
The takeaway
Engaging in sports like running or basketball can provide young people with a functional outlet to process complex emotions like anxiety. Parents should consider these activities as a meaningful component of a broader strategy to support a child's emotional health.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving challenges facing the younger generation in our Youth section.
More information
Access the full findings and additional mental health resources on the Crisis Text Line official organization website.
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