SPORTS PERFORMANCE ISSUES
Performance matters.
Reasons for participation in sports can include recreation, health and fitness, as a career, or academic advancement. The focus in athletics tends to be on physical health and fitness. However, in recent years, there has been an understanding that an athlete’s mental health matters too.
Athletes can experience a variety of thoughts and emotions related to their performance within their chosen sport. Some athletes may experience anxiety related to not performing well, while others may struggle with effective communication in relationships with fellow team members or coaches. It is not uncommon for athletes to experience difficulties in time management and sport-life balance. Over time, if these issues are ignored or go unaddressed, they can lead to even greater struggles and eventually impact overall wellness.
Examples of sports performance issues in all aspects of life:
- Poor sleeping or eating habits
- Inability to keep up with schedule
- Declining interpersonal relationships
- Severe or chronic injuries
- Carelessness or unusual increase in mistakes or accidents
- Struggle to balance home life with sports
- Increased fear of failure or low self-worth related to sports performance
- Burnout, or exhaustion
- Depression
- Anxiety and stress
- Loss of passion for the sport
Athlete awareness.
Whether an athlete is aware of it or not, their mental health impacts the way they perform in sports. Special populations include adults athletes who are dependent on sport performance for college scholarships or future career opportunities, as well as children and youth who foster self-esteem through participation.
Addressing these issues using counseling has shown to be beneficial for improving stress management, focus, team communication, confidence, and sports performance. Seeking counseling can help an athlete develop skills related to balancing life, coping, communication, and sport specific skills and strategies.
Clinicians are a vital part of your mental health team.
Counseling and therapy at Wellness Grove…
Our in-person (outpatient) counseling services are offered in Canton OH (near Akron, North Canton, and Massillon). We also offer telemental health sessions to all Ohio residents.
Wellness Grove
