What emotional signs may indicate overtraining in athletes?

The presence of depression and frustration among athletes can be significant emotional signs indicating overtraining. When athletes experience overtraining syndrome, they often encounter an imbalance between training and recovery, leading to physical and psychological stress.

Depression may manifest as a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, feelings of sadness, or an overall diminished mood. Athletes may also feel overwhelmed or frustrated due to their inability to perform at their usual capacity, leading to irritation with themselves and their training regimen.

In contrast, enthusiasm and motivation, contentment and satisfaction, as well as calmness and focus are generally indicative of a balanced training load and positive emotional state. When an athlete is overtrained, the emotional landscape shifts towards negative feelings, making them a key indicator for coaches and trainers to recognize when adjustments in training and recovery strategies are necessary.