Psychology for athletes

The Importance of Physical Activity and Sport in Mental Health

Sport is a well established treatment for a variety of mental health issues. These include stress management, being able to build positive relationships with others and to be more positive, to name but a few.

 The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine have clearly outlined how Sport and Physical Activity play a role in helping people to experience mental well being and how sport and physical activity can also play a role in managing mental illness. 

Holding back from seeking help? 

You are not alone! Stigma associated with seeking help is something a lot of people struggle with. there is even evidence to show this is the case!   Another way to look at it is as a way of improving your life and mental well being rather than ‘fixing’ something that is wrong.  See below some of the ways a sports and performance psychologist can help. 

How can Psychology help?

A sports psychologist will assist athletes to improve their mental well being and their sports performance by using a combination of different techniques. They also work with team managers and coaches on a variety of issues. 

An example of some of the issues that sports psychologists typically work on with athletes:

• Anxiety
• Confidence
• Communication 
• Leadership 
• Positive Mental attitude 
• Mental Well being 
• Improving skills 
• Understanding the zone state and accessing it  
• Improving concentration 
• Coping with injury 
• Identifying and dealing with burnout
• Managing pressures of competition 
• Motivation 
• Self belief
• Goal setting 

What type of athletes might look for help? 

• Recreational athletes
• Professional athletes 
• Coaches 
• Team Managers 
• Anyone who wants to participate in exercise to improve their mental and physical well being