Teen mental health in the US is impacted by a number of factors—parental influence, household income, geographic location, social influence, and more. And in the 2020s, it’s also been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, a highly-divisive political environment, and the…
There’s a longstanding societal misnomer that athletes, especially high performers at a competitive level, are only subject to physical injuries. Sprains, tears, dislocations, concussions, viruses, and fractures are all “understandable” to the masses. Every injury is publicized—and in detail—to ensure…
Our American culture tends to prize success above all things. And the usual definition of “success” sparks visions of the always-moving person – high-powered executives, elite athletes, and hustling small business owners. By contrast, the idea of rest or stillness…
Our world moves quickly. Really quickly. Thanks to smartphones and social media, we’re always online and always connected. So while athletes have always had a unique need for shutting out distractions and focusing on the present moment, it’s even more…
It’s no secret that participation in athletics can be great for both kids and adults. Sports can build self-esteem, keep you in physical shape, and create a sense of community and teamwork. But it can also be a high-pressure environment…
You’re a superstar. You know you’re a superstar. You work hard, you’re successful, and the accolades come in accordingly. Usually, you find this motivating, but lately? Lately, all of it just blurs into one long slog through the mud. Something’s…
By: Mackenzie Brown, PsyD I find myself having an interesting parallel. About a week ago, I consulted with a coach for a client to facilitate athletic gains. Often times in sport psychology it involves a team: you and the athlete,…
Meditation is an extremely valuable skill, both for the athlete and the professional business person. Because of this, these days it is used not only by monks and yogis, but also leaders, executives, and professional athletes. Brain chemistry in experienced…
We hear about the prevalence of eating disorders in the fashion industry and Hollywood. What is less well known is its prevalence in professional sports. Athletes operate under enormous pressure to fit a physical ideal and to constantly perform at their best. Because of this, professional athletes are three times more likely to develop an eating disorder than the average person (Bowers, n.d.).
The two most common eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. People afflicted with anorexia restrict their intake of food in an effort to meet their ideal weight. Many do this to the point of starvation. In bulimia, the afflicted person goes through a cycle of bingeing and purging. The person will binge on a large amount of food in a short period of time, then eradicate what they’ve eaten through self-induced vomiting or other means. This cycle is usually followed by feelings of guilt, shame and remorse.
A recent USA Today story highlighted the mental health struggles of numerous star athletes, including NBA legend Jerry West, New York Giants wide receiver Brandon Marshall, Olympic swimmer Allison Schmitt, WNBA center Imani Boyette, and history’s most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps.