Psychology.
Dr. Lenecia Nickell works as the Director of Sports Psychology at the University of Cincinnati, overseeing the institution’s mental health and mental performance services for student-athletes.
While psychology is a foundational piece of athletics, it has historically been ignored, explains Dr. Nickell. “It’s important to remember that athletes are still humans,” she explains. Despite their seemingly invincible facades, they can experience grief, anxiety, depression, and other mental health crises, which they often are not equipped to deal with on their own. For student-athletes, some of the most common stressors include the transition to college athletics, being away from home, living with others, social media, and NIL, all of which are nearly impossible to avoid altogether. For this reason, she stresses the value of resources and support systems to help athletes develop intervention skills tailored to their unique needs and goals. Recognizing that not all athletes are aware of what is available to them, she offers the following information as guidance to identify potential resources and improve mental wellbeing.
At the college level, most schools are required to offer a support pathway for those struggling with mental health that is clearly advertised. If you are not aware of any resources, your coaches, teammates, and athletic director may have more information about the specific policies for the institution you attend.
Many schools have wellness or recreation centers, which are usually good places to discover and practice coping skills. Yoga is one strategy that is especially helpful for many athletes due to its emphasis on stretching, breathwork, and self-reflection.
If your school does not offer in-person services, online directories can be a useful tool to locate counselors, therapists, and psychologists in your area. Popular websites include appliedsportpsych.com, psychologytoday.com, and betterhelp.com.
Developing coping skills, a self-care routine, and good sleeping and eating habits are vital when it comes to improving mental health. Without these things, it can be hard to stay positive and in a good headspace.
