Elite athletes who were helped by a sports psychologist

What could be the biggest failure in a competitive athlete's career? For example, if their mental state - despite years of strict and persistent preparation - does not allow them to compete in one of the most significant international competitions. This is the example of Simone Biles, the most successful gymnast of all time. The American Olympian had to withdraw from several events at the Tokyo Olympics due to anxiety and mental health issues. Per Mertesacker, a former footballer for the German national team, faced so much pressure from performance demands that he struggled with nausea before every match.

Among tennis players, Roger Federer shared with the world that frequent travel, jet lag, and training often exhausted him, yet as an elite athlete, he had to radiate strength despite all this. Just like performance pressure, depression does not spare sports. Among the big names in international sports, several - Thierry Henry, Michael Phelps, Naomi Osaka - sought the help of sports psychologists and psychotherapists in their battle against depression. Sometimes, ending a sports career is not simple. After Serena Williams retired, she was unable to switch off. She struggled to adjust to the "simple" life where the pressure and anxiety caused by elite sports were no longer part of her daily life.

What issues can a sports psychologist help with?

Sports psychology - just like psychology in general - is not a taboo subject. Seeking help from a (sports) psychologist is not shameful. Abroad and across the ocean, several branches are distinguished within sports psychology:

• The educational sports psychologist can help improve sports performance. To achieve this, they teach techniques such as imagery, or visualisation **(imagining the goal or object to be achieved), goal setting, and using one's inner voice.

• The clinical sports psychologist uses methods from psychology and psychotherapy to assist athletes battling depression and anxiety. In addition to improving mental health, their job also involves enhancing sports performance.

Numerous problems and challenges can affect an elite athlete during their career, potentially hindering their career development. The good news is that sports psychologists in our country also help manage

• pre-competition excitement and anxiety,

• lack of self-confidence,

• concentration issues,

• physically and mentally taxing performance pressure,

• lack of motivation and exhaustion,

• burnout,

• short- and long-term failures, crises, and negative mental states.

Sports psychologists also help

• in managing anger, frustration, and hopelessness caused by sports injuries and rehabilitation,

• in mentally recovering from an injury,

• in dealing with physical pain and injuries,

• in managing conflicts with coaches or the team,

• in achieving results that match the abilities,

• in preparing even more professionally,

• in applying the methods necessary to achieve the goal,

• by using coping techniques for stress and pressure management,

• in accepting retirement and the transition.

The tools of sports psychology

In sports psychology - as in other areas of healing - the first and most crucial step is to identify the roots of the problem, as symptom treatment does not provide significant solutions in the long term. Once the source of the issue is identified, various tools and methods help eliminate it.

• Anxiety due to competitions and performance can negatively impact sports performance. In overcoming anxiety, assistance comes from changing negative thoughts, boosting self-confidence, distraction, and applying relaxation techniques.

• Anxiety, constant pressure, and strenuous, intensive training often lead to burnout. Against burnout - besides relaxation - solutions include maintaining motivation and balance.

• To reach goals, it is important to set a specific target, as well as visualise the path to the goal, positive events, and the realisation of the set goal.

• External distractions can divert athletes' attention during a match. Strengthening mental focus and concentration is aided by awareness and deep breathing relaxation exercises.

• Mental strength significantly impacts athletes' performance. It is necessary to maintain control under pressure, for victory, and it can also help in recovering from setbacks through mental training.