When Perfection Takes Its Toll: What Netflix's 'America’s Sweethearts' Reveals About Burnout, Anxiety and Mental Health
- Schoen Clinic UK
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Season 2 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix offers more than just a behind-the-scenes look at glitter, game-day performances and teamwork.
This time, it brings mental health into the spotlight, highlighting the emotional strain and psychological pressures placed on young women striving for perfection under public scrutiny.
From burnout and financial stress to anxiety and identity struggles, America’s Sweethearts uncovers a reality that resonates with many people today, especially those balancing demanding roles, multiple jobs, and high personal expectations.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists work with adults, children and young people experiencing similar challenges. Whether in person at our London outpatient clinic or virtually via secure online appointments, we help individuals understand and recover from the mental health impact of chronic stress, performance pressure and emotional overwhelm. Contact us today if you need support for yourself or a loved one.
High Pressure, Hidden Struggles
Throughout the series, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are shown juggling a demanding training schedule with part-time jobs, university studies and public appearances. Some reveal they’re working up to four jobs just to support themselves financially, leaving little time for rest, reflection or recovery.
Despite their polished public image, many of the cheerleaders begin to show signs of emotional exhaustion. The pressure to perform on the field and social media creates a mental load that’s often invisible to others.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we see this pattern in many of our patients. From students and working professionals to elite performers, the pursuit of perfection can lead to burnout, anxiety and even depression if left unaddressed.
What Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts Reveals About Burnout and Why It Matters
Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. It can affect anyone in high-pressure environments, especially when rest and support are limited.
In America’s Sweethearts, we see clear signs of burnout: emotional detachment, low mood, difficulty sleeping, self-doubt and increased conflict.
For some cheerleaders, these symptoms begin to interfere with daily life and performance, common experiences for people in intense, high-visibility roles.
Early intervention for burnout is key. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we offer evidence-based therapy options and practical support to help individuals manage stress, rebuild self-esteem and prevent more serious mental health issues from developing.
"As a consultant psychiatrist working at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, I see many high-achieving professionals from various walks of life. Not many cheerleaders, but lawyers, accountants, media professionals, doctors, and a range of elite athletes." Says Dr James Woolley, Consultant Psychiatrist, Schoen Clinic Chelsea.
He continues, "And with all of them, the need to achieve at the highest level risks burnout, so much of the focus with therapists at the clinic here is on developing and maintaining a healthy balance, recognising that the highest level of performance is only sustainable with attention to both physical and mental health."
Anxiety and the Pressure to Be “Enough”
Another powerful theme explored in the show is anxiety. Whether it’s fear of not being selected, body image struggles, or the mental toll of public exposure, many of the young women speak openly about feeling overwhelmed or not good enough.
This anxiety often stems from unrealistic expectations, both internal and external. Over time, it can lead to chronic worry, panic attacks, low self-worth and avoidance behaviours that affect quality of life.
“Whilst relentless high standards serve a purpose with regards to achieving success, particularly in elite sports, the pursuit of these standards long term can come at an enormous personal cost, often impacting the likelihood of ongoing achievement. As a Clinical Psychologist, I help people to cultivate and maintain a winners mentality whilst also building a life of meaning beyond achievement, making ongoing goal attainment more sustainable”, says Dr Bradley Powell at Schoen Clinic Chelsea.
Our multidisciplinary team at Schoen Clinic Chelsea supports people struggling with all forms of anxiety, including:
Performance anxiety
We provide personalised care, which may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), targeted coping strategies for anxiety and mood, activity scheduling with support from our occupational therapist, and guidance on nutritional wellbeing from our specialist dietician.
What We Can Learn From America's Sweethearts: Early Support Matters
One of the most important takeaways from America’s Sweethearts is the value of early mental health intervention. Several cheerleaders, and Chandi in particular, share their experiences of pushing through emotional distress, sometimes for months, before finally asking for help.
Seeking support early doesn’t mean you’re weak. In fact, it can prevent short-term difficulties from becoming long-term problems. When people access treatment at the first signs of emotional distress, such as low mood, loss of motivation, poor sleep or heightened stress, they often recover more quickly and with better outcomes.
If you’re experiencing any of the above, or even if you’re just “not feeling like yourself,” it’s OK to ask for help.
How Schoen Clinic Chelsea Can Help
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we provide personalised outpatient mental health care for adults, children and adolescents. Whether you’re struggling with burnout, anxiety, depression or a combination of symptoms, our expert team is here to help.
Appointments available in person at our Chelsea clinic or online
Evidence-based therapies tailored to your needs
A collaborative team including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, occupational therapists and a specialist dietician
Support for anxiety, burnout, trauma, eating disorders, neurodiversity and more
We take a compassionate, person-centred approach, helping each patient feel heard, understood and supported in finding a path forward.
Netflix America’s Sweethearts offers a rare and refreshing insight into the psychological pressure behind the cheerleading spotlight, and in doing so, it reminds us that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of how they appear on the surface.
If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety or burnout, you don’t have to face it alone.
Get in touch
If you’d like to speak to someone about how Schoen Clinic Chelsea can support you or a loved one, please contact us today or make a self-referral online. Our friendly team is ready to help you take the first step toward feeling better.
America's Sweethearts is streaming now on Netflix.
