Athletes and mental health
According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well and contribute to their community.”
We all have mental health, and we all have better or worse states of mental health depending on what is happening in our lives, jobs, sports, loved ones and even physical environment. However, it’s such a “hot” topic nowadays that we can hear that this or that person has “mental health”, and that creates even more confusion around this critical topic.
It is better to see mental health on a scale that could go from “good mental health” to “mental health problems” to avoid more confusion and have clear concepts that can help us understand what is happening with us or others.
Coaches and certain sports cultures still need to support their athletes here. It’s easy to fall into the trap of training an athlete for speed, strength and power. However, that effort can unravel if Coaches neglect the development of “mental and psychological gains”. If we consider it, the body will only do what the mind says.
For those familiar with my work, it’s evident that I strongly advocate for individualised programming and guiding athletes rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This individualisation extends to addressing the mental health of athletes, as different individuals react uniquely to life situations and challenges. Response to daily stress, loss, work pressure, training demands, competition stress, and failure vary among individuals. Therefore, each coach plays a vital role in shaping the psychological well-being of their athletes.
In good mental health, athletes establish a solid foundation to perform at their best and strive for high performance. It’s essential to acknowledge that understanding athletes allows us to confront and address their struggles rather than avoid them.
From the Coach’s perspective, this work must be genuine. While anyone can ask, “How are you doing?” being authentically interested and actively listening to someone’s struggles can be the key to meaningful work. Remember, a simple “I’m fine” doesn’t always reflect the actual state. Coaches who genuinely want to know their athletes can pay attention to the tone of voice, which may convey more than words.
What’s helpful to keep in mind when guiding athletes/competitors?
Coach the person, not just the “athlete”. Look beyond the numbers, scores and competitions lined up, actively guiding athletes, considering their needs, and contextualising training within their overall life.
Allow some choice or autonomy. Despite inevitable non-negotiable aspects of training, collaborating with athletes to determine optimal days for disliked tasks enhances a sense of control and autonomy, contributing to better mental health.
Encourage athletes to connect with peers despite the challenges of solo training. Interacting with those facing similar challenges, especially as athletes progress, is crucial.
Prioritise self-care. Planning downtime and creating an environment that promotes recovery between sessions is as important as planning training phases. Athletes must schedule self-care, and every role model out there should embody healthy self-care practices to avoid normalising unhealthy behaviour.
As mentioned earlier, everyone is unique. To steer mental health toward the positive end of the scale, athletes and coaches must identify what works best for each individual. Personally, I conduct a weekly check-in and a monthly individual call to listen to each of my athletes/ competitors I guide actively. Some of the most crucial calls don’t revolve around training because the person’s well-being directly impacts the athlete.
What other effective strategies for promoting and managing good mental health do you use? Drop me an email and share them with me.
Eddie
