“What’s anxiety?” a high school football player once asked me during a talk on mental health that I was giving to his team. A few of his teammates snickered, but…
Browsing CategoryAthlete Mental Health
Navigating a Panic Attack During Stressful Transitions
I was in the middle of a meeting when my most recent panic attack occurred. I don’t have them often, but I know that feeling. It’s an unmistakable feeling of…
Feeling Depressed After Sports Retirement
During a coaching call some time ago, a former basketball player confided in me that he felt depressed. He retired from playing his sport and was at peace with that…
3 Ways Athletes Can Activate Inner Stillness
The closer it got to game time, the more his heart would race. He was typically nervous before games and it wasn’t uncommon for him to vomit. After some self-exploration,…
Keys to Go from Rattled to Relaxed
Rattled. That’s the best way I can describe it. I felt my heart beating in my chest as I raced from one task to another trying to keep up with…
How to Create Opportunities with The Right Mindset
Learning how to create opportunities with the right mindset is a skill set that all athletes should develop. Not only will it change how they approach their game, but it…
Why your sensitivity is a strength as an athlete
I have spoken to many athletes over the years who have confided in me that they are sensitive or emotional people. However, somewhere during their time growing up (and, usually…
Athlete Mental Health Matters at All Levels in Sports
I often hear from athletes who are afraid to come forward with their mental health struggles. While more and more players are stepping up to share their stories of depression,…
Athlete Identity After an Injury
Injuries aren’t just a part of sports; they are a part of life. For athletes, however, your sport and your body encompass a huge chunk of your identity. So, when…
How to Overcome Mental Resistance in Sports
I overheard two people talking about their goals, each with two seemingly opposite points of view. One said, “What if I fail?” The other said, “What if I’m too successful…