Adolescence into young adulthood is a period of questioning, including “who do I want to be?” and “who am I?” During this time, between pre-teen and young adulthood, life is riddled with decisions regarding paths and roles. Young people may find themselves identifying as a ”kid,” a “student,” and/or as a “friend” during this time. Some pursue sports, music, [...]
Like it or not, all sport careers eventually end. Age, injury, family decisions, or other factors will determine how your competitive athletic career will end or be adapted. Like many athletes, especially elites, you may feel that the transition is abrupt. Your life and identity may revolve around sport. Your loss may cause emotional, financial, or personal challenges that [...]
While the benefits of sport participation (academic success, physical fitness, learning critical life skills, etc.) often lend to overall mental and physical well-being, it’s important to recognize some of the struggles athletes experience when living, performing, and competing under heightened expectations from themselves or others. Body image is one concept that tends to have a more negative connotation in [...]
Below are some of the mental skills practices that we regularly train for resilience and performance. They can be used in isolation or integrated as you hone the skills! Paced Breathing There is much research that supports the impact our breath has on our ability to perform. Practicing paced breathing regularly (per the guidance of a biofeedback expert such [...]
Pandemic or not, holidays can be stressful. Traveling gets chaotic; even being at home with a smaller segment of your family during a pandemic can feel chaotic! Family members can love each other dearly AND know exactly how to push each other’s buttons. Gift giving and receiving can be fraught with hopes and expectations (and gifts can be expensive [...]
For simplicity purposes we could just say “nobody’s perfect” and leave it at that... but we all know there’s more to it than a catchy little phrase. When it comes to our children, we all want to see them accomplish great achievements. It’s also understandable for us to feel for them when they aren’t “perfect” ... when they aren’t [...]
People are often afraid to ask about thoughts of suicide. Don’t be. In fact, you should also ask if they have specific plans or intent. You will not inspire someone to commit suicide. You can normalize that people sometimes have thoughts about dying, it is a sign or serious distress, and you can work with them to find help [...]
Clinical Depression (“Major Depressive Disorder”) consists of some combination of the following symptoms: 1) Depressed mood most of every day; 2) Activities are no longer enjoyable/exciting; 3) Changes in weight or appetite (in either direction); 4) An observable slowing down (of thought or movement); 5) Fatigue or lost energy; 6) Feelings of worthlessness or guilt; 7) Problems concentrating or [...]
Don’t worry about knowing a mental health diagnosis before referring to a professional, but DO keep an eye out for the following symptoms associated with these two common diagnoses. Adjustment Disorders: No mental health issue should ever be minimized, however, knowing that “adjustment disorders are like the common cold of mental health” can help with removing stigma. With adjustment [...]
Seeking Mental Health Services Stigma, for athletes and others seeking help for mental health, is finally fading. Plenty of factors play into this. More people (including elite athletes like Kevin Love, Michael Phelps, and Elena Delle Donne) talking about mental health helps “normalize” it. Elite sports programs (e.g., NBA, NFL, and NCAA) are hiring full-time practitioners to address it. [...]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The sports world has been starting to recognize the importance of attending to mental health for well-being and performance. Sport psychology, a multi-disciplinary field (psychology/mental health AND sport science), requires multi-disciplinary training [...]
Like it or not, all sport careers eventually end. Age, injury, family decisions, or other factors will determine how your competitive athletic career will end or be adapted. Like many athletes, especially elites, you may feel that the transition is abrupt. Your life and identity may revolve around sport. Your loss may cause emotional, financial, or personal challenges that [...]
“Who am I?” “Who do I want to be?” These are questions commonly asked by adolescents as they work to form their self-identity. Between pre-teen and young adulthood, life is riddled with decisions regarding paths and roles. Young people may find themselves identifying as a “kid”, “a student”, and a “friend” during this time. Some pursue sports, music, or [...]
Taking ownership over training, development, and performance can help athletes feel more in control, boosting their enjoyment and motivation. For athletes to feel more in control, it requires cooperation with parents, coaches, and trainers, sometimes sharing ideas (once) and sitting back while young athletes make what may feel like good or bad choices... resisting urges to intervene. Obstacles to [...]
Emotional pain from your injury will typically heal once rehab is complete. When emotional changes trickle into life outside of sport, lasting beyond rehab, you may be showing signs of greater mental health concerns. If you’re struggling with mental health issues post-injury, you are not alone. Frances Altick, a professional and NCAA tennis champion struggled with intense depression, anxiety, [...]
