The Athlete Psyche



Enhancing the mental wellbeing of athletes, coaches and officials from junior development to elite levels.



"I say put your mental health first,
because if you don't, then you are not going to enjoy your sport
and you're not going to succeed as much as you want to."

Simone Biles




Athletes and Mental Health



The mental health of athletes has rightly gained greater attention in recent years and is recognised as a crucial component of performance. Like other individuals, athletes can be susceptible to mental health difficulties throughout their lifetime, but also face unique challenges in sport that may potentially impact their personal lives and wellbeing.

Intense training and competition environments, the relentless pursuit of perfection or continuous improvement, can contribute to mental strain. There may be pressure to meet the expectations of coaches, teammates, sporting bodies and the broader public. Additionally, athletes may be subject to external judgments and decisions, media scrutiny and persistent social media commentary, which can exacerbate stress and anxiety. The need to adapt to frequent travel or changing conditions, whilst maintaining routines that can limit social interaction and self-care, further intensifies these challenges.

Athletes from junior through to elite levels must often balance their intense sporting commitments with multiple responsibilities, including academic, vocational, personal and financial obligations. Moreover, the sporting world is not immune to toxic dynamics or distressing situations such as bullying, misconduct and abuse. It is no surprise that such experiences can take a significant toll on an athlete's mental health.



Mental Wellbeing



A 2019 study found that 35% of athletes experience mental health concerns, including burnout, anxiety and depression. Other commonly reported issues include difficulties with stress management, sleep disturbance, disordered eating and even drug or alcohol misuse, all of which adversely impact functioning, as well as motivation and concentration.



Setbacks



Common setbacks such as injuries and rehabilitation struggles can disrupt training, harm performance and threaten career longevity. Serious accidents can also result in trauma reactions, while fluctuations in performance may erode confidence and mental health. Disappointments such as missing a team selection or losing sponsorships, can trigger emotional distress and even a crisis.




Transitions



Athletes often struggle with career transitions, such as moving between junior, elite and high-performance levels, changing coaches or teams, and eventually retiring from sports. Redefining identity, exploring new paths, and maintaining a sense of purpose are crucial during these shifts. A sense of loss may follow significant competitions and the achievement of major goals.



About The Athlete Psyche



Athlete mental health can be improved through various strategies such as enhancing education and mental health literacy, encouraging self-awareness, proactive help-seeking behaviours and linking in with support networks.
Increasing access to mental health services, including counselling and evidence-based interventions, can help athletes manage arising symptoms, develop effective coping strategies and improve their emotional resilience.

The Athlete Psyche is committed to optimising mental health and empowering athletes to reach their full potential, both in their sporting endeavours and in life. Harris Anasson is a registered psychologist with AHPRA and a full member of the Australian Association of Psychologists. She has a breadth and depth of experience spanning 20 years, assisting individuals and groups in a variety of settings. Harris currently operates her own private practice in Sydney's Northern Beaches and is a clinician of the AIS Mental Health Referral Network.

Through her own background in junior sport and working with representative and elite athletes, Harris has an awareness of the multifaceted challenges that can impact both health and performance. Harris is passionate about working collaboratively with athletes, coaches and sporting officials, assisting them to optimise their wellbeing and achieve their personal goals.


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Make an appointment



Email: harris.anasson@gmail.com


0420 667 647

The Athlete Psyche



Mona Vale, Sydney's Northern Beaches, NSW