Mental Health in Athletes

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In 2019, approximately 46.6 million people suffer from mental illness in the United States. 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. Many manage symptoms with therapy, medication, healthy eating, or exercise. Research has shown that the benefits of exercise can improve mood and improve overall mental health. By moving our bodies, we can increase endorphins and enkephalins, two of the body’s hormones that make us feel better. It also allows us to focus on ourselves instead of our life’s work, a much needed break for many of us. However, athletics does not prevent athletes from developing mental health problems. 카지노사이트

With the pressure to perform in the sport, as well as in other social life situations, being an athlete can be hard on a person’s mental health. Student-athletes face additional pressure to maintain class work and grades in addition to practice and sports. When athletes are injured, they have time to heal, but what about when the injury is invisible? Among young people, especially college athletes, the numbers are staggering: 33% of all college students have significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. other mental health.

Of this group, 30% ask for help. But among college athletes with mental health issues, only 10% do. Among professional athletes, data shows that up to 35% of elite athletes suffer from mental health problems that can manifest as stress, eating disorders, energy end or depression and anxiety. Athletes like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, USC volleyball player Victoria Garrick, NBA player Kevin Love, and others are telling their stories and inspiring others to reach out for help to support the reason.

As scary as it may sound, there are small things you can do to improve your mental health. Talk to your family, your team, teachers or support staff; someone you feel comfortable talking to. Make an appointment with a trusted therapist or health professional to help you identify the source of stress and manage your symptoms. Create a self-care plan to make sure you make time for training, study, and the stress of everyday life to do things for yourself every day, such as meditating, doing yoga, walking, and – listen to music. your pet.

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Athletes are driven, focused, committed, high achievers. The traits that allow them to excel in sports and in the classroom are also traits that promote anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health prevents athletes from seeking help when needed. It’s hard for athletes to spot the warning signs and support their teammates so they can focus on their performance. It seems to be well known in the case of Katie. According to the NCAA’s 2020 Student-Athlete Well-Being Survey, one in 12 college athletes reported that they were so depressed that they had difficulty performing “always” or “almost at least every day.” In addition, one in four male and one in two female athletes said they feel strongly about everything they do, while one in two male athletes eleven in three female athletes said they were “extremely anxious.”

From a young age, athletes work on performance training for their physical health, in collaboration with professional coaches, trainers and nutritionists. There is a big difference in how physical injuries are treated compared to mental health issues. When an athlete is injured, the fans pay close attention to their treatment, the athlete is evaluated by on-site trainers, health care providers, doctors, specialists , if necessary, they are given the time and support necessary to heal. It’s about physical health, but athletes don’t have the level of information, resources, or skills to support their mental and emotional health. Often, they suffer in silence, which makes things worse.

About D&G Wellness Advice

To support this change and provide athletes with timely and preventive help, D & G Wellness Consulting has created a unique program designed to help athletes improve and manage their mental health and provide coaches and parents help to identify the marks in their students-athletes. By working with many former Division I players, skill development and information are provided that are often rare in high school and college sports. Through personal stories about competitive sports, managing college career demands, and mental health challenges, student-athletes can connect with teammates and grow together by hearing about their experiences. The program focuses on understanding the importance of mental health in sports, exploring the characteristics and core values ​​of athletes, creating a positive team culture, and recognizing red flags that require support. if the athletes need help, and introducing attention to improve the health condition. mind.

And he’s not the only one who teaches the Xs and O’s of the team, coaches are tasked with supporting their team off and on the field, including academic stress, COVID-related stress and more. especially the mental health of their players. At the same time, coaches are often called upon to develop their programs, create opportunities for their athletes, and work with athletes during the season. This pressure comes from parents, administration, students and students, teachers often say that they are trying hard to “keep all the balls in the air”. They are not trained for what they are currently facing when it comes to supporting the mental health of their players. D&G’s program for coaches emphasizes the importance of mental health in sports, equips them with the skills and language to work with athletes, and helps coaches take care of their own mental health.

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Danielle Vallas, founder of D&G Wellness Consulting, has been a teacher and trainer for over 16 years at an independent school in Buffalo, New York. Through her work as a sports coach, Danielle understands the importance of taking care of mental health off and on the field. His athletes began to seek him more and more off the field for help with their own mental health issues.

This inspired Danielle to become a licensed mental health counselor working with athletes. Similarly, co-worker Gabriella Pelosi began to see the need to engage in mental health and privacy practices with teenagers, especially among athletes. Many have expressed that their biggest obstacle is not the skills they need to play, but their negative mindset, need for perfection, and a commitment mindset that leaves them in dire straits.

Lebron James Opens Up About Mental Health, Says He’s Lost His ‘love of the Game’

Los Angeles Lakers point guard LeBron James said on Tuesday that he realized after the 2011 NBA Finals when he was a member of the Miami Heat that he needed to pay more attention to his mental health.

James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he had a big mental breakdown after the Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks in six games.

“The level of scrutiny that I was dealing with, and how I got out of my comfort zone. I lost my love for the game.”

LeBron linked up with @calm to promote mental health. He uses meditation tools to reduce stress and sleep better.

“The ability to focus and process whatever is going on in your mind is a skill that will be strengthened over time, and Calm helps me do that. James took on the role of NBA villain after announcing in a television special called “The Decision” in July 2010 that he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Heat to create a great team alongside Dwyane. Wade and Chris Bosch.

“If I can go back to it, I can change a lot. Having something special and people having the opportunity to see me make a decision about where I want to play, I will be able to change that. Because I can look now if the shoe is on the other foot and I am a fan, and I like the player, if he decides to leave, I will be angry ‘the way he handles it.”

James also pointed to the resulting mindset: “I started playing basketball at a level or mindset that I had never played before. I mean angry. It’s mental and that’s not how I play football.”

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