Your Mental Health is Part of the Game
Whether you’re on the court, in the gym, or hitting the field, you know how much effort it takes to compete. But being an athlete isn’t just about muscle and hustle—your mind plays a huge role, too.
When you’re stressed, anxious, or burned out, it affects your focus, reaction time, and even how well your body performs. Mental health isn’t a side issue. It’s part of your training.
“I never thought I needed help until I hit a wall. Therapy taught me how to train my mind like I train my body.”
— Kevin Love, NBA Champion
Athletes Struggle, Too—And That’s Okay
From performance pressure to injuries to life off the field, athletes face a lot. You’re not alone if you’ve felt:
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Anxious before a big game
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Frustrated after a mistake or loss
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Exhausted from trying to be perfect
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Disconnected or down during recovery
A study published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine found that up to 35% of athletes experience mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, or stress-related burnout.
“As athletes, we’re taught to tough it out. But there’s real strength in being vulnerable and asking for help.”
— Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimmer
How Mental Health Affects Performance
Taking care of your mental health can actually improve your physical performance. Athletes who work on mindset and stress management tend to:
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Focus better under pressure
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Recover faster from setbacks or injuries
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Build more confidence and resilience
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Sleep better and feel more energized
“If you’re not right mentally, it’s hard to be right physically. I had to learn that the hard way.”
— Dak Prescott, NFL Quarterback
Mental Training Tools That Work
Here are some evidence-based strategies athletes use to boost both mental and physical wellness:
Mindfulness & Meditation
Deep breathing, body scans, and staying present can reduce anxiety and increase body awareness. Even 5 minutes a day can make a difference.
Positive Self-Talk
Replacing “I’m going to mess up” with “I’ve trained for this” helps you stay calm and confident. This is a core part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
️ Visualization
Mentally walking through your routine or game scenario can improve real-life performance. Athletes use this to stay sharp and prepared.
️ Working With a Therapist
Talking to a sports-informed therapist isn’t just for crisis. It can help you manage pressure, stay focused, and bounce back faster.
“I thought therapy was only for people in a dark place. Turns out, it helps me stay in the best place—mentally and physically.”
— Student-athlete, age 16
Let’s Redefine Mental Toughness
Toughness isn’t about hiding what you’re feeling. It’s about knowing when to speak up, get support, and build real strength from the inside out.
Being mentally healthy helps you:
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Train harder
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Compete smarter
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Recover faster
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Enjoy the game more
Ready to Get Stronger—Inside and Out?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just want to strengthen your mental game, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Schedule a session with a therapist today
️Check out therapist bios to find your best match!
Call us at 612-202-8703
Click here to view available appointment times
Share this with a teammate. Mental health is part of the game plan.
You train your body. Don’t forget to train your mind.
