2023 Mental Health Habits for Athletes
By: Misty Buck, Athlete Mental Health Coach, and Contributor to HOFH
In 2022 we saw significant progress made in athlete mental health by way of both an increase in advocacy and added resources. For starters, the stigma continues to break down as more athletes, both professional and student, come forward to share their stories, and also support causes. We are seeing organizations take unprecedented steps to incorporate mental health into their culture from in-house psychologists to the development of mental wellness departments. For example, this year Hall of Fame Health (HOFH), in partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, introduced a new program at LSU. All former student-athletes will now have lifetime access to mental health support and discounted healthcare options. In the coming year, we can expect to see more resources, activism, and public education arise to aid in the growing need for mental health support.
"Breaking the stigma is the first step to increasing access and support for everyone. Now we see the tide turning for overall mental health in many different communities. My call to action as a Psychotherapist is that we continue to make strides and provide safe spaces in all arenas, gyms, field houses, and locker rooms. We have made amazing steps in the right direction and still have so much more work to do,” says Marcus Mason Ed.D, LCPC, NCC, a HOFH therapy provider.
Mental Health Trends That Will Likely Emerge in 2023
● Education - Adding to societal mental health conversations, we’ll see more educational resources become available. The increased interest in mental wellness has people searching for more information on the topic than ever before. There are already a plethora of organizations providing free resources and education such as those provided by NAMI as well as local community institutions. We’ll also likely see more mental health classes taught at schools and universities as well as more events related to the movement. For example, this past summer I led a mental health workshop during a youth football training camp in Miami. Organized by Tara Gibson of ALL BLACK, the camp included mandatory mini-workshops on mental wellness and financial literacy prior to the start of the day’s football training activities.
● Improved Public Knowledge - As educational tools emerge and public conversations continue, we’ll see more people begin to better understand the signs and symptoms of varying mental health issues. Many younger students are leading the way by taking an active interest in mental wellness. Earlier this year, I spoke with a student-athlete who organized a peer support group for injured athletes at his high school. I’ve also noticed a growing number of young adults taking an interest in conversations around mental health, many of whom told me they were interested in taking psychology classes in college.
● Greater Access and Connection - From apps to hotlines, there are an incredible number of resources available. In 2023, I think (and hope) we’ll see more resources emerge as well as ones that are targeted to specific groups such as student-athletes. In addition to accessibility, one of the keys will be to connect people to help combat isolation with such opportunities as peer group meetups and chats.
● Increased Understanding - We’re starting to move away from treating athletes like robots, and instead embrace them as humans. We’ll see more coaches and leaders step forward to create environments where athletes will feel safer voicing their concerns and issues.
2023 Mental Health Habits for Athletes
Just like physical health, mental health and wellness is an area of our lives that requires regular attention. Like all health matters, our goal should be to be more preventative than reactive. Prevention may not always eliminate issues, but it will help with day-to-day stress management and inner balance.
1. Trust More
Trust is a huge hot-button topic for many athletes. Nearly every athlete I have spoken with–especially at elite levels–has told me that they have a hard time trusting people. This extends from the organization they play for down to the people they encounter in everyday life. I get it. When it feels like everyone just wants something from you, it’s easy to let fear keep you from trusting other people and thinking you can do it all on your own. There can also be a lot of pressure to appear as if you have everything under control and your mental toughness is on point. You might also feel like people only care about you because of your athletic skills and contributions. While trust may be hard to establish, it’s also true that you can only do and see so much on your own.
There are people who will understand you and will have the skills to help you. Although it is impossible to know if you can trust every single person you meet, there is something to be said for lowering your guard down enough to build a rapport to feel the situation out. If you don’t vibe with one person, there will be someone else out there that you will align with. You don’t have to carry your burdens alone or isolate yourself in your trials and tribulations. Support that feels genuine and is nonjudgmental and confidential, is available to you.
2. Listen More
Listen to yourself. If you don’t give yourself space to be heard, you’ll never really know what’s going on deep within you. You might feel confused, overwhelmed, and lost. Many times the answer or the next best step will emerge by deeply listening to yourself. To do this, take time to give your brain a break. Journal. Meditate. Go for a mindful walk or run. Give yourself the opportunity to clear your head and you’ll have a much better shot at allowing your inner voice to emergy clearly.
Listen to others. Sometimes, the best way you can support someone is to simply listen to them. You might think someone is looking for an answer, when in fact they may just be looking to be heard and understood. Whether you’re speaking with an adult or a child, validate how the person is feeling by offering support like, “that must be really hard.” The bonus benefit is that you will build trust and if they are really struggling, now they know that you are someone they can turn to if they choose.
3. Talk More
Have better conversations. Be open with the people in your life about where you are and how you’re feeling. I also highly recommend working with a coach or a therapist because these are people who can be objective while also offering you a time and space that’s dedicated only for you to say what you need to say. If this makes you nervous, start by talking about topics that are meaningful to you, like the things you’re passionate about. Again, as you build relationships, you’ll naturally flow into deeper conversations. The advantage for you is that you’re able to relieve stress, connect, gain clarity, and problem-solve.
Would you like support with your mental health and wellness in 2023 from people who are understanding and passionate? Call the HOFH concierge call line at (866) 404-HOFH to learn more about treatment centers, health services, and providers. All calls are confidential. The service line is open to athletes and non-athletes. Scholarship funds may be available on a case-by-case basis through Fund Recovery. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or require emergency assistance, please call the HOFH Crisis Line at 866-901-1245, call 911, or head to your nearest local emergency room.
About the Author: Misty Buck is an athlete mental health and mindset coach and contributor to Hall of Fame Health. She can be reached at https://purposesoulathletics.com.