IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN SPORTS
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Image Source – Source: The Sports Schools
How often do we hear, “It’s all in your head!”, “Maybe you need to take a break!”, “Start thinking positively!” when all we really need to hear is “Maybe, seek some professional support to help you get through this!” ?
Our mental health is as important as our physical health, yet we fail to take care of it. Stress, anxiety, and pressure have become a normal part of our lives and we cope with it in different ways. Not all coping mechanisms are healthy, correct, and long-lasting! For example- drinking or drugs, over-exerting yourself, and being too critical are some negative coping methods. The generation today has romanticised and accepted stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and fear as normal behaviour, whereas seeking professional help and support is still getting normalised in every household. No matter who/what you are, everyone goes through a certain level of psychological tension which with correct aid can be resolved effectively.
Do you know what Sports Anxiety is?
The immense pressure to perform in athletics can create intense anxiety before a match, game, or any other type of competition. This condition can be called sports anxiety, sport-related anxiety, or performance anxiety. While some athletes experience this anxiety as a motivator to perform well, studies show that experiencing anxiety before or during an athletic competition can interfere with an athlete’s performance.
(Source- https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/athletes-and-mental-health/)
In the world of sports, physical strength, talent, and athleticism are frequently highlighted. We celebrate the accomplishments of athletes on the field, court, or track because of their extraordinary displays of strength, speed, and agility. But there’s one vital facet of sports that all too often goes unnoticed: mental health. It is hard to emphasise the significance of mental health in sports. As we admire the remarkable physical skills of athletes, it becomes evident that their mental strength, resilience, and emotional well-being frequently hold the key to shaping the game’s ultimate result.
When we take into account that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 adults experience at least one mental health condition each year, it becomes clear that we must give higher priority to raising awareness about mental health and improving mental health care.
Taking care of our mental health not only makes it easier for us to operate on a daily basis, but it can also help us combat or at least regulate some of the physical health issues that are closely related to our psychological well-being.
Everyone involved in athletics comes across different mental challenges, from professional athletes competing on the international stage to younger individuals taking part in recreational sports. An athlete’s mental health may suffer from the pressure of competing, the highs and lows of win and loss, injuries, and the constant attempt to get better. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength. If not more!
As an athlete or a sportsperson, here are 3 quick reasons you need to focus on your mental health:
- Performance enhancement: A sound mental state is a powerful asset for athletes. It can enhance your concentration, focus, and decision-making abilities, which are critical for success in sports.
- Injury recovery: Positive mental health can aid in coping with the emotional challenges of injury, maintaining motivation during rehabilitation, and ensuring a smoother return to the sport.
- Longevity in sports: Athletes who focus on their mental well-being are more likely to have longer and more fulfilling careers. Mental health awareness enables them to detect early signs of burnout, overtraining, or other stress-related challenges, allowing them to take preventive steps and maintain their positions over time.
Apart from these, Mental Health impacts team dynamics and cohesion. Athletes who are mentally fit are better equipped to communicate effectively, support their teammates, and contribute positively to the team’s overall atmosphere. Playing team sports also has its own impact and challenges one needs to deal with.
In the last few years, athletes like Simon Biles, Virat Kohli, Naomi Osaka, DeMar DeRozan, etc. have spoken up in support of the importance of mental health. Role models like these are necessary for today’s youth to understand when to pause, reflect, work, and move forward.
If you/your child or anyone around is an athlete or a sports person it’s crucial you keep a check on their actions and emotions. Not all symptoms/signs are visible and nor can they be recognized quickly. Here are some signs a troubled athlete may display:
- Overtraining/ burning out quickly
- Lack of sleep and increase in anxiety
- Decline in quality of play
- Nonchalant attitude towards win/loss
- Decreased interest in sports
These are just some visible signs one can observe, but talking and understanding the athlete is always much clearer. As an athlete it is a must that you put your mental health first, the direction of it can be seen in your health, game, relationships, and more.
Seeing a therapist is not a taboo but a wonderful way to build an ally, and continuously work on your game off the court/field. Although the sports industry has made significant progress in recognizing the importance of mental health in athletics, there is still more work to be done. It is critical to address the stigma associated with mental health, ensure that mental health resources and support services are easily accessible, and prioritise athletes’ mental well-being.
We have the ability to empower athletes to put their mental well-being at the forefront of their sporting endeavours and personal lives by building a culture that supports transparency and encouragement around mental health challenges.
The sports world plays an important role in promoting mental health and overall well-being, and by working together, we can build a sports community that is not just healthier and more resilient, but also truly respectful of all its members.
Jinal S Mehta
Intern, Mindsports