As a competitive athlete, there is pressure at all levels to not only excel, but to stand out in their chosen sport. In fact, most are so focused on becoming physically strong that the mental health aspect gets left on the sidelines. For example, a recent study of college athletes found that 21 percent of males and 27 percent of females reported feeling “so depressed that it was difficult to function.”
The old adage, “keep your head in the game” rings true in all aspects of an athlete’s life. There are so many facets of life to balance in addition to being exceptional and competitive at their sport. Being an athlete can put strain on social life, marriage, family, and relationships because of the time commitment made to perfect their craft.
Practice, being on the road, games, media, teammates, and team staff can contribute to stressors that an athlete might not be used to handling. One or all of these factors can prevent a person from performing at their optimal level. In addition, many athletes can have a fear of showing mental weakness, therefore most of them hold it in and never get help. This can lead to resenting their sport and either making the decision to give up playing or not enjoying the game like they did before. These negative feelings can produce detrimental mental aspects that can easily be overlooked in hopes they will eventually “just go away.”
While athletes are expected to perform at the highest level at all times, we still have to keep in mind that athletes are human. The mental component of being an athlete can also cause feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, over exaggerated rituals, perfectionism, feeling like an outsider, and even using drugs and alcohol for escape.
During an athlete’s career, they can encounter a variety of disruptive circumstances. Research has shown these disruptive circumstances like a temporary injury, permanent injury, retirement, and forced retirement can pose significant difficulties. In therapy, athletes can work through these transitions in order to improve their outlook and reduce their mental stressors.
Sports psychotherapy can help contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle, especially before, during and after the career of an athlete. Whether it’s a pro, college or amateur athlete, there are different stressors that can contribute to success and the full potential of the person as a whole. The goal of sports psychotherapy is to find a balance in an athlete’s life, while improving in their sport, in order to enjoy both.
————————————————————————-
https://www.newswise.com/articles/mental-health-in-athletes-just-as-important-as-physical-health