CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE | Page 10

IS MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORIT

( ADAPTED FROM DR . PATRICK COHN AT PEAK PERFORMANCE SPORTS , LLC .)
Stop ! Don ’ t talk about it . I don ’ t want others to know !
That is the approach many bodybuilders take towards mental health . The stigma attached to mental health often prevents bodybuilders from seeking help .
Bodybuilders are viewed as warriors . Stories are told of bodybuilders who have overcome the odds to reach great success .
We hear podcasts of bodybuilders talk about the obstacles they had to surmount to reach the pinnacle of their sport : physically grueling training , endless hours each week pushing their bodies to the max , regimented diets , long hours of travel , working through an injury , limited time for social activities and self-sacrifice .
Blood , sweat , and tears are heralded as badges of courage and triumph . Unfortunately , some bodybuilders who pay attention to every detail of being an elite athlete often pay minimal attention to their mental health . mentally .
While mental toughness is a revered quality in bodybuilders , mental health is more critical .
In one sense , some bodybuilders feel a sense of control when training and competing yet feel helpless and struggle outside of the sport .
You see , bodybuilders are people who happen to be bodybuilders . And just like any person , bodybuilders have similar mental health issues ( depression , anxiety , fear , loneliness , and helplessness ).
Bodybuilding impacts one ’ s personal life so it is necessary to have a sounding board to process their thoughts and emotions .
Life for bodybuilders can be stressful . Bodybuilders need an outlet or an outside resource to help them deal with the pressure , manage expectations , share their
The most significant struggles in our lives are unseen , those bubbling under the surface . Bodybuilders are viewed with such awe , but the unseen mental struggles are real , emotionally overwhelming , and mentally taxing .
Scrutiny is everywhere . Just look at the impact of social media . Whether it be the Internet ‘ trolls ’ or opinionated individuals regardless of their education or experience in the sport of bodybuilding , bodybuilders read and watch such podcasts under other ’ s scrutiny and this has a powerful impact on the bodybuilder ’ s mental health .
Some bodybuilders hide , not wanting anyone to see a chink in their armor or something perceived as weakness . These athletes will put their all into training so that they don ’ t have to think of the troubles they experience
10