Trauma and Its Impact on Athlete Mental Health
By: Misty Buck, Athlete Mental Health Coach, and Contributor to HOFH
Trauma can affect anyone’s mental health, including athletes. The pressure to perform, the fear of failure, and the constant scrutiny from coaches, fans, and the media can all contribute to the development of mental health issues, especially when combined with the need to compartmentalize problems to perform in the first place. The impact of trauma and mental health issues is not limited to the field or court, either. It can have long-lasting effects on an athlete's personal and professional life.
I sat down with Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite, MD, Head of Medical and Clinical Strategy at Headway and a Hall of Fame Health Medical Advisory Board member, to talk about how trauma affects athletes and their families.
Understanding Trauma
As defined by the American Psychological Association, “Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock, and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.” However, as Dr. Christian-Brathwaite notes, the definition of trauma is expanding within the industry.
“Often when people hear the word ‘trauma’ they assume it means the occurrence of a horrible event or terrible life-threatening event,” says Dr. Christian-Brathwaite. “In reality, trauma is any negative experience that outstrips our ability to cope. Essentially, the toxic or traumatic experience was so overwhelming that it outstripped our ability to cope. Toxic stress is is stress that is severe, prolonged, and ongoing. You remain in fight, flight or freeze which often leads to conditions like PTSD.”
Furthermore, trauma doesn’t have to occur from one particular event. Complex trauma can occur when a person is exposed to the same or multiple events over a long period of time, like an abusive relationship, exposure to community violence, food insecurity, or even poverty.
Challenges for Athletes Facing Trauma-Based Mental Health Issues
Athletes often compartmentalize their problems or feelings to perform. They also often use their sport as their primary coping tool or outlet for their stress. However, this can lead to greater issues because when they are no longer playing–whether short-term or long-term–they have to face the problem, and they don’t always have the coping skills to do so.
“It’s not uncommon to use sports as stress relief, so it tends to be an outlet and healthy coping skill to manage stress,” says Dr. Christian-Brathwaite. “For example, football can be an escape because it is clearly structured, the athlete knows what to expect, and therefore can let their guard down. However, when that’s taken away an individual may have difficulty finding an alternative outlet for stress. We saw this during COVID with kids and adults. Without that outlet, they relied on what was available and what was often unhealthy, like substance abuse.
“Athletes might face invisible trauma where the wounds aren’t so front and center,” she adds. “We see this with environmental factors like poverty. Poverty is traumatic for so many reasons and people don’t always realize that. Even if the individual has made it to the pro level and is making sufficient money, the idea of knowing that they are out of poverty, but their loved ones, friends, family, and community members are still suffering, can take a toll. The emotional pain and anguish are challenging because when the game is over, an athlete has return to that painful experience or thought.”
The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health
The impact of trauma on mental health can be significant. Individuals who experience trauma are at a higher risk of developing mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can have a profound impact on an athlete's personal and professional life, affecting their ability to perform at their best and maintain healthy relationships.
One of the most significant contributors to athlete mental health issues is the pressure to perform. Athletes are expected to perform at their best, regardless of the circumstances. The pressure may come from coaches, teammates, or family members who are counting on them to be successful. This can create a constant state of anxiety and stress, particularly when coupled with the fear of failure. The constant pressure to win and be the best can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
Another factor that contributes to athlete trauma is the physical toll of playing competitive sports. Athletes are at a higher risk of sustaining physical injuries, which can lead to chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. The constant stress of playing through pain and the fear of re-injury can also take a toll. Insomnia can also be a common side effect of trauma, as athletes may struggle to sleep due to the stress and anxiety of their experiences.
Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma is essential for identifying and addressing the issue. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and low mood
Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
Chronic pain and other physical health issues
Flashbacks and nightmares
Irritability and anger
Avoidance of certain situations or activities
Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
Reactivity (physically jumpy from loud noises or someone’s tone of voice),
Changes in mood (irritability, sadness, anxiety difficulty to find consistent stability in mood)
Avoidance
“Trauma can feel like you’re always fighting for your safety or the safety of a loved one,” says Dr. Christian-Brathwaite. “Ultimately, at any point when those symptoms begin to interfere with your day-to-day activities or your quality of life, it’s certainly beneficial to seek help.”
Seeking Professional Help for Trauma
For athletes who are struggling with trauma, seeking professional help is essential. Mental health professionals can provide a range of treatments, including therapy, medication, and other forms of support. It is essential to find a mental health professional who has experience working with athletes and understands the unique challenges that they face.
“Please don’t be afraid to speak up. Mental health scars are invisible. Unless they are so obvious based on your behavior, people have no idea how much their colleague or teammate is suffering. Some athletes are particularly good at hiding it or releasing it on the field/court,” adds Dr. Christian-Brathwaite. “Ultimately, it is important to be transparent and honest with yourself and those who care about you.”
“Get a therapist. You don’t necessarily have to initiate therapy and immediately get to the root of the trauma. It is not uncommon that individuals initially avoid discussing their trauma because they don’t want to relive those feelings or they are embarrassed or afraid. You can address current issues and symptoms while beginning your healing journey.
“Timing is critical. If you are not ready to address prior trauma, be sure to communicate that to your therapist. However, if you find you’re struggling to cope, for example abusing substances, isolating yourself or avoiding places and people, those symptoms can first be addressed in therapy before delving into the trauma that may be the source of your pain.
“If verbal communication is not something you’re comfortable with, consider expressing yourself through creative means like writing, art, or music. I’ve also found that sometimes it’s easier for people to open up about something difficult while doing slightly distracting activities like playing a game of pickup. Many people are suffering due to prior trauma and are afraid to ask for help. Trauma Informed therapy, and if necessary medication can absolutely help individuals struggling with trauma related mental health concerns.
If mental health is something that you or your loved one is struggling with, reach out for support. Call the HOFH concierge call line at (866) 404-HOFH to learn more about how our team may be able to help. The service line is open to athletes and non-athletes, and all calls are confidential. 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.