Athletes face so much pressure and challenges during their athletic careers. From grueling training sessions to being under the microscope of the public eye- in the world of sports, maintaining mental well-being is just as crucial as physical fitness. There are so many reasons why athletes benefit from seeing a therapist, and I can confirm that from personal experience.
Looking back, I wish I started seeing a therapist sooner. Growing up, it wasn’t as socially accepted as it is now to say “I’m seeing a therapist” or “you should see a therapist”. When I felt overwhelmed, anxious, etc., I’d power through in sports and find ways to distract myself. This is NOT the proper way to manage your mental health! Working with a therapist over the past three years has given me the tools I need to properly manage my mental health, helping my quality of life to improve tremendously. Below are a few of the many benefits athletes can receive when working with a therapist.
Why Athletes Benefit from Seeing a Therapist
Mental Resilience. Therapy equips athletes with valuable tools to develop their mental resilience. Therapists help athletes build strategies to cope with stress, anxiety, and the emotional roller coaster of competition. Mental toughness is often the difference between success and defeat. One memorable therapy moment for me was when my therapist told me that stress, anxiety, and other emotions are more common than I realize. What will help me is being equipt with the tools manage these mental health problems to maintain a solid quality of life.
Improved Performance. A strong mental game can directly translate to improved performance. Athletes who see therapists can learn techniques to enhance focus, manage nerves, and maintain peak performance under pressure. Mental clarity and concentration are vital for success in any sport.
Stress Management. The intense pressure and demands of sports can lead to high levels of stress. Therapists teach athletes effective stress management techniques, allowing them to perform at their best without the weight of anxiety and pressure.
*Its important to note that stress can happen at any level sports:
- Elementary and middle school sports. The stress of making an elite team, positioning yourself for success in high school
- High school sports. The pressure that comes with winning games, college recruiting, maintaining academic eligibility, etc.
- College sports. The stress that comes with maintaining your eligibility, navigating program politics, NIL opportunities, and more
- Professional sports. The pressure that comes with your athletic performance, contract negotiations, being in the public eye, and more.
Injury Recovery. Injuries can be am unfortunate part of an athlete’s life. Therapists can assist in the psychological recovery from injuries, helping athletes navigate the emotional challenges that come with long-term rehabilitation. This mental support can contribute to a faster and more complete physical recovery. This is especially important for athletes who are navigating through career-ending injuries. The ‘mental reset’ needed to acclimate to an new life doesn’t happen overnight. Working with a professional can help you manage this major life transition.
Goal Setting and Motivation. Therapists help athletes set and achieve personal and professional goals. They can motivate athletes to stay committed to their training regimens, maintain focus on their objectives, and overcome setbacks with resilience.
Team Dynamics. Sports therapy is not limited to individual athletes. Therapists can work with sports teams to improve communication, cooperation, and cohesion. Healthy team dynamics are crucial for success and can be nurtured through therapy sessions.
I WISH this was something offered to my team in college. Communication and a teams’ ability to work together can make a huge difference in the type of season they have.
Self-Awareness. Therapists encourage self-reflection, helping athletes understand their motivations, emotions, and reactions. Self-awareness is a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth. When working with my therapist, another milestone I had was the ability to tap into the root cause of my anxiousness or stress. Finding the source vs. just focusing on the outcome helped me put my problems into perspective and find ways to manage them better.
Coping with Retirement. For many athletes, the transition to retirement can be challenging. Therapists offer support in navigating this significant life change, helping athletes find purpose and fulfillment beyond their sports careers.
And retirement doesn’t just mean a pro athlete stepping down from playing ball. When I stopped playing ball at the collegiate-level, it took me a very long time to adjust to life as a normal person. Working 9-5, not having regularly scheduled workouts, or having to be ready for competition took time. A therapist can help you channel your energy and focus into a new chapter of of your life.
Personal Well-Being. Athletes are not just performers; they are individuals with their own lives, families, and personal challenges. Therapy can help athletes achieve balance and a sense of well-being in their personal lives, which can positively affect their performance on the field. It’s important to remember that you are not ‘just an athlete’. You are unique with your own situation, good or bad. Speaking with a therapist can help you navigate the challenges you could be facing outside of sports.
Mental Health Advocacy. By seeking therapy, athletes can play a vital role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Their openness about therapy encourages others, both in and outside of the sports world, to seek help when needed.
Like I said earlier, back in the day it was a lot less accepted to talk about mental health and therapy. While I feel it’s gotten much better, its still not as normalized as it should be. As an athlete, you can use your influence to talk about therapy and the impact it can have on others’ lives. Athletes who seek therapy understand that their mental well-being is just as important as their physical condition. With the help of a therapist, athletes can develop the mental strength, resilience, and focus necessary to excel in their sport, manage stress, and navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives.