To the Hustler reading this:
This May, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. We want to pause and talk directly to you -the athlete who is constantly always looking to get better, the athlete who feels overwhelmed sometimes, and the athlete who always deserves to feel supported.
We see you. We see the early morning games. The late night sessions.The longgg practices. The wins. The losses. The pressure. So. Much. Pressure.
And we see the parts that no one else sees. The silent self-doubt, the fear of not being good enough, the negative voice in your head, the stress of wanting to be your best at all times…
You Are Not Alone.
Even when everything looks “perfect” from the outside- your chest feels like it has a ton of bricks on top of it and your mind is racing one hundred miles an hour.
And you may question yourself or talk yourself out of it by saying:
- “Should I tell anyone?”
- “I just need to get over it.”
- “It really isn’t that big of a deal.”
- “I don’t want to worry anyone.”
Here’s what we have to say to that:
- Yes, it is critical that you tell someone how you are feeling.
- Mental health is not something “we get over”, it is always with us. However you can learn about tools and resources to get help.
- Yes, your mental health is a very big deal!
- Most importantly, you are worth the worries of your loved ones.
You Are Always Worth It.
When you start feeling stressed, anxious, worrisome, nervous- Carry these 5 truths with you on your journey as an athlete:
Rest is NOT a sign of weakness: Take care of your mind, just as you take care of your body. It is okay to say you need a break from sports, we promise. Just as your muscles and body need breaks, so does your mind. Take breaks (without feeling guilty!) and engage in meaningful activities outside of athletics. Hangout with your friends! Go on vacation with your family! Sleep-in when you are able to! Do things for your mind that help to spark joy and happiness.
Self-care is a daily priority: Develop a self-care routine that will positively impact your mental health. Some great tools are practicing meditation and mindfulness, journaling, breathing exercises, engaging in hobbies, getting good sleep, connecting with friends, and unplugging from social media.
You matter, even on your bad days: Your value as a person is NOT tied to your performance as an athlete. You are more important than your sport. If you didn’t make as many shots as you wanted in a game, you are still loved. If you make a few turnovers at practice, you are still a good person. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. Practice daily positive affirmations to block out the negative thoughts.
Celebrate Yourself: As an athlete, you are always focusing on what you need to improve on and chasing the next accomplishment. However, mental health is about balance- take moments to praise yourself for how far you have come and all that you have already achieved. Appreciate your progress and reflect on your journey.
Asking for help is a sign of strength: Real strength is not found in ignoring your feelings- it is in facing them and being honest with yourself. You are not in this alone-talk to someone you trust, a coach, a parent, a friend, a teacher, a therapist, a counselor. Once you speak up and share your story, you are helping yourself and others around you who may be scared to say how they are feeling.
Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out. No one has it ALL figured out. And always remember that you are not alone.
You are brave. You are seen. You are enough.
Let’s keep talking about mental health beyond May. Because mental health is health and you are always worth it.
Written by: Katie Zenevitch-Reyes, Hardwood Hustle Coach and Client Success Manager
Mental Health Resources for Athletes: