Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from retired athletes about their struggle after sports. Many of them fell into depression, anxiety, and some were suicidal. It’s actually more common than people realize. Mental health issues during the transition after sports are a very real and significant problem that needs more attention.
The battle in life after sports is a fight often unseen.
As I shared in the Athlete Mental Health Playbook, “Rings, trophies, and memories fade. Athletes still have a life to live after all is said and done in their downtime, during the offseason, and eventually in retirement.”
However, this is a reality that not every retired athlete is ready to face. For most athletes, their sport has always been there as a constant companion, a shoulder to lean on, a source of empowerment, a place of camaraderie, an outlet for their problems, endless opportunity, and a large part of who they are and their lifestyle.
When an athlete leaves his or her sport, they may feel unprepared and unsupported. One athlete described it as returning to “civilian life” with no direction and a void to fulfill.
In retirement, athletes face numerous challenges. Among them are questions of identity and transition.
Keys to the game:
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