At D&G Swim Team, we know that for many of our young swimmers, this time of year brings a unique kind of pressure. GCSE and A-Level exams are in full swing. The competition season is building. Training loads are high. And for a lot of young people, the mental juggling act of balancing school, sport, social life, and everything else can sometimes feel overwhelming.
That is completely normal. And you are not alone.
What our young swimmers might be feeling right now
Exam season and competition season colliding is genuinely tough. You might be feeling:
- Anxious about results — in the pool and in the exam hall
- Tired from early mornings, late training sessions, and late-night revision
- Guilty for resting when you feel you should be doing more
- Pressure to perform — from yourself, or from others
- Disconnected or low, without always knowing why
If any of that sounds familiar, please know that these feelings are valid. High-achieving young people often find it hardest to ask for help, because they feel they should be coping. But strength is not about coping alone — it is about knowing when to reach out.
What you can do
Here are some practical steps that can make a real difference:
- Talk to someone you trust. A parent, a coach, a friend, a teacher. You do not need to have all the answers — just starting the conversation helps.
- Protect your sleep. It is the single most important thing for both mental health and performance. Revision and training both suffer when you are sleep-deprived.
- Use swimming as a tool, not a pressure. The water is one of the best stress-relievers there is. If training feels like another burden right now, speak to your coach — sessions can be adapted.
- Step back from social media during high-pressure periods. Comparison is exhausting.
- Be kind to yourself. One bad race or one bad exam does not define you.
How D&G Swim Team can support you
We want our club to be a place where every swimmer feels safe, supported, and valued — not just for what they achieve, but for who they are.
If you are struggling, here is how we can help:
- Speak to your coach. Our coaches are here for the whole athlete, not just the swimmer. If you need to reduce training load, take a short break, or just have a conversation, please reach out. There is no judgement.
- Contact our Welfare Officer. Our club has a dedicated Welfare Officer who is there specifically to support the wellbeing of our members. All conversations are treated with care and confidentiality.
- Talk to your Squad Rep. Squad Reps are a great first point of contact if you are not sure where to turn.
- Visit our Feeling Safe page on the club website, which has information and links to external support organisations.
A note for parents
If you have noticed a change in your child, withdrawal, irritability, loss of motivation, or difficulty sleeping — trust your instincts. A gentle, non-pressured conversation can open the door. You do not need to fix everything; sometimes just listening is enough.
If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact the club.
You matter more than your times.
Swimming is a huge part of life at D&G — but it is not the whole of it. We are proud to be a club that cares about the person behind the swimmer. This Mental Health Awareness Week, let us all commit to checking in on each other, speaking up when we are struggling, and taking action — together.
If you need urgent support, please contact:
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Young Minds: text YM to 85258
Childline: 0800 1111