MENTAL HEALTH & PERFORMANCE
Both mental health and performance in sports go hand in hand. When one fails, the other goes down with it. This is why as athletes, when we begin to notice ourselves or our teammates take part in patterns that display eating disorders or negative body image, we can recognize it and proceed with practical strategies to help.
1 \ Navigating Body Image
What is a negative body image?
A negative body image is an unrealistic view of how someone sees themselves and their body. Many factors can mold our body image, such as our childhood, parents, friends, coaches, teammates. As athletes, we have spent years conditioning our body to compete at the highest level of our sport possible. To do so, we lift, we run and we move our muscles in the most efficient way possible for success. A wrestler is going be built significantly different compared to a runner. Whether we are told to put on muscle, lose weight or get fit, it can all be conflicting and confusing.
Social Media
In recent years, social media has also influenced many student athletes body image. Every athlete's body is different, even if they play the same sport. Everyone tries to put their best foot forward on social media, therefore making the rest of us believe that is the beauty standard. Athletes are expected to be fit, so when we see other athletes on social media who may not look exactly like us, a negative body image may be produced. Questions like, "Why don't my muscles look like hers/his?", "Why don't I look like that in my uniform?", "If I'm an athlete, shouldn't I be skinny/big?" Social media implants a physical beauty standard athletes believe they need to meet.
2 \ Eating Disorder Signs & Symptoms
When dealing with a negative body image, eating disorders can often be linked to a poor body image. Many who struggle with eating disorders believe that if they lose weight, they will be more satisfied with their physical appearance and body. This in turn, can lead to patterned eating such as anorexia, bulimia, compulsive eating or binge eating. Eating disorders can be triggered by past trauma, early dissatisfaction or teasing from others regarding body weight. Below are some signs and symptoms of eating disorders. People may experience eating disorders differently.
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Dieting despite being underweight
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Obsessive calorie counting
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Afraid to eat in front of others
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Fixation with cooking or food in general
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Thinning hair
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Depressive or lethargic state
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Switching between overeating and fasting
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Avoiding social functions
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Stopped or delayed period
3 \ Strategies for Being Supportive
When we see a close friend, teammate or player experiencing symptoms that are concerning, it is important we let them know we are here to support. Sometimes people may be more comfortable talking with a close friend or teammate before talking to a coach or counselor. Knowing the following practical strategies may help you support someone struggling in the best way possible.
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Remind your friend/teammate that you are glad they felt comfortable enough to talk to you about their situation
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Take time to listen to everything they say. Moments of silence allows for processing.
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There is no need to pressure yourself to fix the problem or create a solution. Normalize their experiences and offer hope.
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Avoid judging
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Ask question about their safety
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"Are you thinking of hurting yourself?" "Have you have suicidal thoughts?"​
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Know asking these questions will not plant the idea in their minds.
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If they say yes, immediately bring it up to a coach, counselor, athletic trainer, administrator or another person in such position.
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Do not promise you will keep any suicidal thoughts private. You may need extra help.​​
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They may not be willing to open up at first. Do not take it personally. Just continue to offer support.
