Note:
This resource is shared to offer encouragement and awareness around mental health topics in the context of FCA’s ministry. It is not intended to provide counseling or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor to replace professional care. FCA encourages individuals to connect with someone you trust or a professional.
Coaches and athletes deal with pressure, identity issues and performance demands, perhaps now more than any other point in time. Especially in the age of social media, NIL, the transfer portal and high intensity club travel schedules, it’s easy to be swept up in the need to be at our best all the time, creating unrealistic expectations and heightened worry.
Resilience, mental toughness and training mindset reflects our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. How we think affects how we feel, act and interact with the world around us.
Scripture speaks clearly to the condition of the heart, mind and soul:
“He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” – Matthew 22:37
“Since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
“Guard your heart above all else,
for it is the source of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
We were made for the Hebrew word shalom (wholeness, completeness, flourishing), a deep and holistic life, often translated as “peace.” It is God’s design for every part of our lives: physical, emotional, mental, relational and spiritual.
We are whole people. When one dimension of our lives is struggling, it impacts others. An athlete who is emotionally depleted will feel it physically. A coach who is spiritually dry will feel it in their leadership. These are not separate compartments — they are interconnected.
We live in a broken world, and life sometimes gets out of sorts. But a relationship with Jesus Christ is the anchor point as we work through our struggles
This is why a biblical approach to mental toughness is not simply about managing thoughts or building grit. It is about pursuing whole-person flourishing — and inviting God into every part of that.
In times of pressure and defeat, remember God is very present and attentive. At times, when we’re full of fear or our bodies aren’t calming down, it may seem that God is standing passively in the corner, a casual observer to our struggle. We may feel lonely, forgotten or discouraged.
What do you do when your feelings and the truth of God’s Word don’t match? Scripture says, God is near when you’re broken. Acknowledge your feelings but be mindful about what you feel and who you are. Feelings are not fact, and holding to God’s truth in His Word allows us to stand on what remains accurate even when our feelings run contrary. You may feel lonely, but you are not alone.
God’s Word reshapes our thinking. Train your mind to return to truth when everything feels heavy. Try a few of these practical applications:
- Start with one passage that speaks to what you’re carrying. Ex. If you’re feeling anxious, read 1 Peter 5:7. Ask:
- What does this say about God?
- What does this say about me?
- What does this invite me to do?
- Replace your negative or worrisome thoughts with truth. When you’re thinking “I am failing,” here’s the truth: “My identity is not based on performance but on Christ.” This is formation of the mind.
- Give your mind a daily place to land. In the morning, read a short passage in a physical Bible before your phone. Word before World! Even if it’s five minutes, having Scripture to hold to as you go into your day starts your heart and mind on the right track.
Pray Scripture back to God. Sometimes when life is hard, thinking clearly feels impossible. Pray a passage and let someone else’s words say what you need.
Remember to be patient with the process. Habits don’t happen overnight, so give yourself grace to get used to these truths in your daily rhythm.
Mental toughness built on the Word of God is not fragile. It doesn’t fall apart when the score is wrong, when the season crumbles or when the feelings are heavy. It is an anchor — rooted in who Christ is and who He says we are.
This blog is adapted from FCA’s new resource, Mentally Healthy. To access the resource, visit our Resources App!
How FCA Staff Encourage Mental Wellness in Their Coaches and Athletes
“A good assessment tool is an acronym I use, H.A.L.T.S.: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired and Stressed. I’ll ask the person, out of those five or six, how many of them are a current reality right now in this conversation for you? Nine times out of ten, they’re like, ‘All of them,’ then eat or take a nap. Give it two to three days – will this be resolved? Is this a temporary situation? It helps them have a perspective that we can do something in the physical realm about it.”
- Marla Butterworth, Rockies Regional Director of Field Operations
“While the feelings of stress and being overwhelmed feel daunting in the moment, we can rest in two truths:
1. God is sovereign over it and;
2. He wants you to come to Him in it.
When we feel stressed or anxious, there are things we all tend to do: exercising to blow off steam, hanging out with friends to laugh, watching a movie to distract ourselves, and many others. These activities are not inherently “bad” and can, in fact, be tools to navigate tough seasons. However, they are never enough on their own.
Perhaps, we need to ask ourselves:
- Do I really believe that my heavenly Father is in total control over every little detail in my life even if I can’t understand it all? (see Ephesians 1:11). Do I have faith to trust Him? (“Lord, help my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24)
- Do I really believe I can go to Him IN my anxiousness, overwhelm, weakness and despair, not just once my faith is stronger?
Jesus teaches His disciples in Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
We can adopt coping mechanisms, and they may be helpful at times. But we have to be willing to ask ourselves if we are actively coming to Jesus, or if we are running from and hiding from the One who ultimately can shepherd us through this life with tenderness, compassion and comfort (see Psalm 23).
Go to Jesus. He is gentle and lowly at heart and wants you to come near. Jesus’ work on the cross is sufficient for us to have access to God as beloved sons and daughters when we are struggling. Praise the Lord!”
- Adam Clapp, FCA Lancaster County Representative (Penn.)
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