Mental health can sometimes be overlooked in sports performance, but fortunately, many athletic trainers recognize its role in an athlete’s overall health and how it can facilitate a speedy recovery from injuries.

According to a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, athletic trainers who have extensive knowledge of sports psychology and the ability to recognize mental health issues are better equipped to choose the right psychosocial strategies for their clients or student-athletes.

Here’s a closer look at the various ways athletic trainers can support their athletes’ mental health.

How Does Mental Health Affect Sports Performance?

Sleep deprivation, low self-esteem and unexplained physical pain are some of the many debilitating symptoms of mental health conditions that can affect sports performance. For instance, lack of sleep can affect focus and concentration, and it can increase the risk of injuries. Mood changes may lead to discord among players on a team, while eating disorders can lead to malnutrition and other serious health problems.

Why Is Stress Management Important for Athletes?

Anxiety disorders and stress affect nearly 32% of U.S. teens and more than 22% of college-age students. Stress can affect motivation and decision-making, and it can trigger a range of physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, that increase the risk for injuries, including sprains and strains. It can negatively affect team dynamics causing conflicts and poor communication.

Stress management skills can often help athletes avoid these issues and maintain great sports performance.

How Athletic Trainers Can Support Athletes’ Mental Health

If you work with your athletes on a near-daily basis, it’s possible you’ve learned a great deal about their personalities and interests. Your athletes may also feel more comfortable opening up to you about their mental health than they would with any other adult.

Keeping the above factors in mind, here are ways to support good mental health as an athletic trainer:

• Observe athletes closely, which can make it easier to detect problems or concerns when they arise.
• Initiate a confidential conversation that gives athletes the opportunity to open up and express their concerns.
• Provide your athletes with mental health resources and encourage them to seek professional help when needed.
• Put in place a comprehensive support system made up of coaches, parents and the educational institution.
• Teach and practice relaxation techniques that can help athletes manage and reduce stress, such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing.
• Practice positive self-talk to dispel negative thoughts and emotions.
• Emphasize the importance of nutrition and quality sleep, which may help stave off mental health issues.
• Look for signs of potential psychological injuries, including:
  • Anger, aggression and agitation
  • Feelings of shame or guilt
  • Withdrawing
  • Perfectionism attitude
  • Frequent illness
  • Drug and alcohol misuse
  • Risky behavior
  • Obsession with weight

 

Follow the recommendations set by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association when it’s time to refer a student-athlete to a mental health professional. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance misuse, violence and suicidal thoughts are top psychological concerns for which a referral may be needed.

University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA) is committed to the pursuit of excellence in orthopaedic treatment, medical education and training and the promotion of community health. We invite all athletic trainers to visit our For Professionals page for more tips like those above and information on careers and continuing education credits.