Anxiety Among Athletes: When to Seek Help
Anxiety. We all have it from time to time. And, according to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), anxiety is the most common mental illness in America.
But, when is it time to seek professional help to cope with sports-related anxiety?
If you believe you have been dealing with anxiety for a while now, then here are some telltale signs that it’s time to seek help.
Your health is negatively affected. As an athlete, you are most likely in-tune with your physical condition and health. Anxiety, and the stress it brings, can negatively impact your physical health. If you’re experiencing a string of physical ailments - such as headaches, problems sleeping, unexplained fatigue, and chronic muscle tension – anxiety may be a root cause. Of course, always consult with your primary care doctor first to rule out any medical condition.
Your relationships are suffering. If you are having difficulty maintaining relationships – with family, friends, teammates, coaches and/or your partner – anxiety may be the culprit. Anxiety commonly results in irritability and unhappiness that can negatively affect your relationships.
Your emotions are out of control. An anxious person can be an emotional person. If your emotions are more intense than usual and catch you off-guard, unmanaged anxiety could be a cause. Furthermore, anxiety and unjustified emotions may negatively impact your concentration during training and competition leading to disappointment when it comes to performance.
Struggles in sport, at work, or at school. Difficulty focusing, poor sleep, and fatigue all reflect unmanaged anxiety. Feeling distracted and tired likely interferes with your performance, no matter how committed you are about sport, school, or work.
Feeling overwhelmed. If the rigors of your everyday life suddenly feel overwhelming, or if the thought of competing is scarier than it is exciting, it may be a sign that your mind cannot function optimally anymore. Anxiety causes your mind to run on…and on…and on. Amazingly, you may even accept this as the “new normal” despite the agony that your relentless thoughts create.
Lack of joy. If the things that made you happy all your life suddenly feel unappealing, if you have an ongoing sense of dread, or chronic tension (in your mind or body), then – you guessed it - anxiety may be at play.
If one or more of the above describe what you are going through, please consider speaking with a professional therapist. Just because anxiety is common, doesn’t mean you need to continue to allow it to negatively affect your performance or life.
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