The Summer 2024 Olympics is underway! While we are excited to be watching our favorite athletes wear their country’s colors, it’s crucial to recognize the mental health aspect of these games. Mental health, a topic gaining global attention, is now making waves in the sports world. This shift is largely due to the courage of many athletes who bravely shared their mental health struggles and took action to address and spread awareness about their struggles. They have chosen to stand up and stand out by talking about their challenges and mental blocks, pulling out of competitions to care for their mental health, and becoming advocates for mental health awareness and support.
The article, “World Mental Health Day 2023: From Simone Biles to Noah Lyles, Olympic stars reflect on the importance of taking care of the mind“, highlights…
“there is often an aura of invincibility about Olympic athletes – but as the athletes themselves say, their incredible physical strength is not a firewall against mental struggles, doubts or stress.”
We saw this with one of the world’s most prominent athletes on the world’s biggest stage. In 2021, at the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles pulled out of the gymnastics competition halfway through due to her mental struggles. In her Netflix Documentary, “Simone Biles Rising”, she expressed, “Everything that has happened in my career that we’ve shoved down in a box, and your body can only function for so long before your fuses blow out. I couldn’t do it anymore.”
The world was shocked, and everyone made their opinions known that Simone did what she needed to do for herself and her overall wellness. This act created a domino effect for other athletes to recognize and address mental health. Biles led the way for professional athletes and their organizations, as well as college athletes and kids starting a sport for the first time, to understand the need for sports psychology and training athletes that their mental health is just as important as their physical health. It is so pivotal for the development of athletes and athletics as a whole.
So, what are some things that athletes can do when they feel overwhelmed by the pressures, blocks, injuries, stress, media, etc.?
- Talk About It
First, talking about their mental struggles can be a great start. Whether that is to a family member, coach, teammate, or therapist, having someone to talk to is important, and you are not alone. If you are not talking to a professional, then maybe going to external resources can help if there are more blocks than your support system can help. - Make a Routine
The next thing you can do is make a routine that works for you. That is, on game day and throughout the week, to assist with physical and mental prep and recovery. This can help you feel organized, prepared, and recovered before, during, and after high-stress physical and mental activity. - Practice Self-Care
Lastly, spend time with yourself, for yourself. This practice is also known as self-care and can look however you need it to. Some people meditate, paint, and sleep; others play video games, read, and go for walks. Whatever works for you to be able to take a minute to reflect, breathe, and enjoy life. You will see the results in your sports performance, enjoyment, and overall wellness.
If you are interested in more resources, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has developed a comprehensive toolkit to help athletes, their support systems, sports organizations, and health professionals better understand, promote, and support athletes’ mental health and wellness. This 100-page resource is valuable for yourself or anyone involved in sports, providing practical guidance and resources to promote mental wellness and overall success.
Additionally, here at Embark, we have therapists who offer sports psychology to help athletes, coaches, parents, and others improve their sports experience and performance. Reach out to us today to connect to one of our counselors providing sports psychology!
References:
- Netflix Doc “Simone Biles Rising”
- https://olympics.com/en/news/world-mental-health-day-2023-olympians-advice
- https://olympics.com/athlete365/articles/mentally-fit/ioc-mental-health-inelite-athletes-toolkit-x3908
