As our knowledge base grows, society is more willing to accept the impactful role that mental health plays in an athlete’s overall well-being, self-esteem, and performance. Richard Williams, Serena and Venus Williams’ father taught them that ‘sports are 70% mental’. When an athlete is struggling, it’s important to identify the mental health concern(s). Whether the athlete is dealing with emotions surrounding a physical injury, depression, anxiety, etc., the problem must be dealt with head on.
There are many aspects at play that significantly impact an athlete’s mental health. Some of which include the impact of coaches and teammates, the pressure of winning, and the fear of failure. Professional athletes understand the fear of failure and the pressure of winning more than anyone else as global sports media can be very hard on teams and their individual athletes. Successful athletes, at any level, are able to tune out the outside forces and tune into their flow.
The flow, sometimes described as ‘the zone’, refers to a state of optimal performance where an athlete is completely immersed in their activity, and their focus is laser-sharp. Although it can be difficult, consistently finding and maintaining your flow is a great way to improve your mental game and your overall well-being. Honing your focus on the present moment will help boost your performance but it will also teach you valuable life skills.
It’s also completely normal for athletes to struggle with their coaches and/or teammates behavior and criticism. Clear communication goes a very long way in making sure everyone feels heard and understood. Effective, healthy coaching involves a staff that seeks your feedback and wants to hear what you think is needed to take you and/or your team to the next level.
Athletes are humans too. Off the field/court triggers can also lead to a decrease in performance and overall well-being. It’s crucial that coaches and athletes around the world educate and foster a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable voicing their struggles. Without this communication, athletes won’t have access to mental health resources and support they deserve. Speak up about your experiences, and you might be surprised at just how many of your peers and role models feel similarly. Check out this article for more tips and tricks. Reach out to my email ([email protected]) or phone (847-778-3997) if you would like additional support.