Why Mental Health Should be Part of Your Injury Prevention Plan
When an athlete steps out onto the competition stage and the rush of adrenaline kicks in, they aren’t usually thinking about playing cautiously or with hesitation for fear of injury. Imagine a goalkeeper thinking, “I’m only going to try to save the shots that I can reach,” or a gymnast saying, “I don’t want to attempt that skill, it’s a little too risky.” It is normal to have nerves on the field, but how do we manage those emotions if they show up in competition?
It’s important to prepare your mind as much as your body when it comes to training, and that includes having a plan for worst case scenarios. Athletes that mentally prepare for the risk of injury are better able to manage their injury recovery than those who do not. As you prepare for your season of competition or next big event, take some time to consider the following:
Support: What resources do I have to help me if I get injured? Do I have a good relationship with our athletic trainers or physical therapists? Do I know what types of questions to ask or what resources will be available if I need to seek medical treatment? Visit your trainers or reach out to resources affiliated with your club and get to know who could be a support system for you if injuries occur.
Goals: What motivates me to compete at this level? Do I want to stay on this team if something happens that prevents me from participating? Am I willing to commit to the long road ahead because I want to play for as long as I can? Define your goals in the sport you’re in so you have your north star guiding your direction.
Reflect: let’s say you do get injured and it changes the course of your athletic career. What doors does this change open in your life that hadn’t been open to you before? What strengths or interests do you have that you haven’t had time to explore yet because of the time commitment you’ve had to your athletic career?
Connect: whatever happens, build relationships with friends, coaches, teammates, and others. Injuries can bring on feelings of isolation and sadness, so sharing and connecting with others about their experiences can be positive for everyone. Find inspiration from the athletes who have recovered and what worked for them, or seek guidance from trainers on what you can do to improve your injury prevention protocol. You are not alone as an athlete, no matter the challenges you face!
If you are dealing with a career-ending injury or thinking about how to improve your overall mental health as an athlete, take some time to work through these ideas by yourself, with teammates, or with a counselor or therapist. Work on a mantra or motivating idea to keep you focused on what you need to do to be your best self.
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Written by: Angela Amato, Masters-Level Counseling Intern
Angela Amato is a Masters-level counseling intern who enjoys working with Maryland-based athletes who are experiencing times of transition. Angela also enjoys working with aging adults across the state of Maryland who are needing support and extra encouragement to prioritize their own self-care. When Angela is not offering counseling services, you can find her coaching athletes.
