Athletes and Anxiety: Lessons from the Pool and the Court
Athletes and Anxiety: Lessons from the Pool and the Court
Anxiety is a challenge faced by athletes across all sports and at all levels of competition. The pressures of performing under the spotlight, managing high expectations, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities can weigh heavily on even the most seasoned competitors. While anxiety is often perceived as a weakness, many athletes have shown that with the right strategies and support, it can be managed and even transformed into a source of strength. Let’s explore the journeys of two athletes—one swimmer and one non-swimmer—who have openly discussed their struggles with anxiety and how they overcame them.
Simone Manuel: Navigating the Depths of Anxiety
Simone Manuel, a trailblazing swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, has spoken candidly about her struggles with overtraining and anxiety. In 2021, Manuel revealed that she had been diagnosed with overtraining syndrome, a condition exacerbated by mental stress and anxiety. The intense demands of training and competition left her feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the joy she once found in the sport.
To address these challenges, Manuel took a step back to prioritize her mental health. She worked with mental professionals to develop coping strategies, including mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises, to help her manage anxiety both in and out of the pool. By giving herself the space to recover mentally and physically, Manuel made a remarkable comeback, proving that prioritizing mental well-being is essential for sustained success.
Kevin Love: Breaking the Stigma in Basketball
Kevin Love, a five-time NBA All-Star, has become a leading advocate for mental health awareness in professional sports. In 2018, Love experienced a panic attack during a game, which led him to confront his long-standing struggles with anxiety and depression. Initially hesitant to speak out, Love decided to share his story in a powerful essay titled “Everyone Is Going Through Something.”
Love’s openness about his mental health struggles was a game-changer in the sports world, encouraging other athletes to seek help and break the stigma surrounding mental illness. He has since worked closely with therapists and incorporated practices like meditation and journaling into his routine. Love’s journey underscores the importance of vulnerability and seeking support, showing that mental health is just as important as physical health for peak performance.
What We Can Learn
Both Simone Manuel and Kevin Love demonstrate that anxiety doesn’t have to derail an athlete’s career. With the right tools and support, it’s possible to overcome mental health challenges and thrive both in sports and in life. Their stories highlight key takeaways for athletes, coaches, and parents:
Open Communication: Encourage honest conversations about mental health and create a supportive environment where athletes feel safe sharing their struggles.
Professional Support: Working with mental health professionals, such as sports psychologists, can provide valuable strategies for managing anxiety.
Self-Care: Prioritizing rest, mindfulness, and emotional well-being is essential for long-term success.
Anxiety is a part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to define an athlete’s journey. By addressing it head-on and seeking the right support, athletes can turn challenges into opportunities for growth, resilience, and triumph.