A deep dive into the raw feelings of what it is to be an athlete struggling with mental health, what it takes to reach out for help, and what actually works for athletes. Four athletes discuss the internal pressures they faced struggling through mental health challenges - the loss of drive, the guilt, the isolation, the comparisons. Having experienced injuries that led to a medically-forced exit from sport, each of our guests know all too well the struggles associated with being separated from their sport due to circumstances outside their control. Injured athletes and pandemic-sidelined athletes alike will find this honest conversation especially empowering. This episode is a special one to us at Sidelined. Whether you are an athlete, coach, athletic trainer, or parent, THIS CONVERSATION is what you need to know about mental health right now as it relates to athletes currently blocked off from their athletic goals. There is tremendous power in getting the conversation started. Dive in with us! And SHARE with your teams!
Show Notes:
(2:30) Guest intros
(4:45) "Rapid Fire Q&A"
(7:05) The athlete experience with mental health
(24:56) Athletes finding mental health support
(47:12) Feeling like you’re struggling more than others with the impact of COVID on sports
(52:38) Advice athletes would give their younger selves
(1:02:15) Where to go from here? Resources for athletes ready to take the next step in their mental health journey