Evidence suggests that there is a link between higher than average rates of depressive symptoms and student participation in athletics. Various factors many student athletes face typically contribute to depression and depressive symptoms among this population. Such factors include balancing roles, sustaining injuries, overtraining, joining a new team, striving to achieve perfection, experiencing a sense of split identities, and even age and gender, among others. The literature suggests that due to the factors surrounding student athletes' roles, individuals in this population are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, including feelings of hopelessness and emotional problems, than their non-athlete counterparts. The literature also examines the phenomenon of student athletes developing a "Superman" complex and seeking to solve their depressive symptoms on their own, usually with alcohol or substance abuse. While in-school counseling services are suggested, there must be a greater focus on preventing the increasing prevalence of depressive symptoms among the student athlete population.