Sports Performance Enhancement

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Supporting sportsmen and women who have experienced loss or bereavement.

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We know how positive mental health is a huge factor in optimal sports performance.  Now, with society's increased awareness of the negative impact of grief, it has been shown that loss or bereavement therapeutic support can greatly improve an athlete's ability to succeed.

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Loss for a sportsperson can come in many forms; the loss of a contract, being released after injury, a change in contracts or loss of performance due to physical or emotional stress.  

 

The statistics surrounding the mental health of sportsmen in particular, are worrying.  For those who access therapeutic, emotional support, research has shown that these people fair better, not only in performance, but their general outlook on life improves.

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As with those who are returning to sport following physiological illness or injury, there is now growing understanding by backroom staff to sufficiently support those who have been affected by mental health issues of which loss or bereavement is a huge part.  Leaders have a duty of care to players who are suffering to ensure they are psychologically fit.

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In a report by the Coronel Institute of Occupational Health in Amsterdam, Netherlands, it was found that '...The prevalence of mental health problems and/or psychosocial difficulties in current and former professional footballers was found to be high. The presence of mental health problems was associated with low social support and recent life events. The prevalence of mental health problems was up to 26% and 39% in current and former professional football players, respectively; anxiety/depression was the most commonly reported condition.'

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Anxiety, depression or substance abuse in athletes can manifest itself after a significant loss or bereavement.  My work with sportsmen has significantly improved focus, application and performance in their game.

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