What are some common mistakes people make when trying to help someone who may be struggling with their mental health?
One of the biggest mistakes is not saying anything at all. Avoiding the conversation means the person may never get the support they need. Another mistake is trying to become someone’ s psychologist. You are not expected to diagnose or treat them. Just as you would refer someone with a physical injury to a medical professional, it is important to help people access the right mental health support.
When the event is over, they suddenly have to return to everyday life, which can feel difficult and even empty. If they didn’ t achieve what they hoped for, there may be disappointment. Interestingly, even athletes who achieve their goals can struggle because they have spent so long chasing a dream that they are unsure what comes next.
With injuries, retirement or deselection, the issue is often identity. Many athletes tie their sense of self-worth to their performance or sporting identity. When that is taken away, they are left asking,“ Who am I without sport?” Learning to separate self-worth from performance is an important part of navigating these challenges.
If you are worried about a teammate, friend or family member, how should you approach the conversation and what are the best ways to offer support?
The best place to start is from a position of care.
Simply say:“ I care about you and I’ ve noticed you don’ t seem like yourself. Is everything okay?” Let the person know that you are concerned because you value them, not because you are judging them.
Many people avoid these conversations because they worry about offending someone, but if you care about a person, it is important to have the conversation anyway. Sometimes the individual may not even recognise that they are struggling.
You don’ t need to have be someone’ s psychologist. Just as you would refer someone with a physical injury to a medical professional, it is important to help people access the right mental health support.
Listen, offer support and encourage them to seek professional help if needed. Help them identify someone they do trust, whether that ' s a coach, psychologist, doctor, teammate, family member or friend. Organisations such as SADAG also provide resources and support lines for people who are struggling.
People should also avoid dismissive comments such as“ It’ s all in your head” or“ Just pull yourself together.” Even if a struggle is psychological, it is still very real. Comments like these minimise the person’ s experience and can make them feel blamed for what they are going through.
The goal should be to acknowledge that what they are experiencing is real and encourage them to get appropriate support.
If an athlete recognises that they are not coping, what practical steps can they take to seek help?
The first and most important step is to tell somebody.
Speak to a trusted coach, family member, friend or teammate and simply say,“ I’ m struggling.” It sounds simple, but until someone knows there is a problem, it is difficult for them to help.
Many coaches, doctors and support staff have networks of trusted professionals they can refer athletes to. If an athlete is uncomfortable speaking to people close to them, they can contact organisations such as SADAG, visit their family doctor or speak to a general practitioner who can make an appropriate referral.
The key is not to try and manage everything alone. Reaching out is often the hardest step, but it is also the most important one.
Anything else you’ d like to add?
The biggest priority is reducing the stigma around mental health. The more we talk about it and educate people, the easier it becomes for athletes to seek help when they need it.
There also needs to be better access to mental health support across all sports. Athletes in major professional team environments often have access to doctors, psychologists and support networks, but those in many individual sports can be left to navigate challenges on their own.
Coaches are especially important because they are often the people closest to athletes on a daily basis. The more coaches are educated about mental health and the more comfortable athletes feel speaking to them, the better the chances of identifying problems early and ensuring athletes eceive the support they need.
www. modernathlete. co. za 35