The Mental Playbook: The Importance of Mental Health in Athletics

When asking athletes why they play sports, some common themes present within their answers. These answers include: “It’s fun,” “I like competition,” “I want to win,” “I like being a part of a team,” etc. What is not typically discussed, is the stressors that are associated with athletics. There is a lack of awareness surrounding the struggles that athletes may experience when the lights turn off and the game/match/meet is over. Some of the most prevalent topics involved in mental and athletics include (but are not limited to):

1. Maintaining Confidence & Focus 
   1. Athletes can be physically playing a sport, but can be somewhere else mentally. They can be focusing on what others think of them rather than focusing on the desired task–competing
2. Managing Stress & Performance Anxiety
   1. Fearing failure vs Building a relationship with failure. Chasing progress > Chasing perfection (a standard that does not exist)
3. Coping with Injuries
   1. Experiencing an injury prohibiting an athlete from playing or limiting their abilities can be overwhelming and frustrating–leading to helplessness/feelings of worthlessness
4. Balancing Sports & Life
   1. Playing a sport is WHAT YOU DO NOT WHO YOU ARE. Being an athlete can be a huge part of one’s identity, but it is not one’s whole identity. Finding hobbies, embracing other roles (student, sibling, friend, child, significant other) are important in balancing this lifestyle.
5. Disordered Eating from an Athletic Perspective
   1. So much emphasis is put on an athlete’s body (size, strength, height, weight, etc.) which can lead to body image concerns
6. Grief After Leaving a Sport

   1. Whether an athlete leaves a sport voluntarily or involuntarily (career-ending injury, illness, life transitions, etc), a major shift begins leaving athletes feeling lost in their direction in life. This shift can be incredibly uncomfortable, but full of opportunities for growth–as growth demands discomfort.

       

These topics are difficult to discuss with others because of the fear of showing weakness. What is often forgotten is athletes are still human beings that need support. Just like physical skills, there are mental skills that can be developed to create a strong mind leading to stronger performance.

As a former athlete, I have a deeper understanding of the struggles that athletes may experience and utilize this in my therapeutic approach. Let’s team-up and create your mental playbook together!

Email: ssewruk@napervillecounseling.com

Phone: (630) 590-9522 ex. 111