The psychological study of sports remains a core importance as it affects the overall performance of players, their mental health always needs to be of the rightful state. 

 

The recent increase of demand in media reports and the sports fraternity for the services of Psychologists in South Africa, reflects just how important the need for mental health awareness is in the fraternity. There is currently a minimal growth behind the integration of psychologists in sports and it could be emanating from several factors such as: 

 

Stigma attached to mental health. 

Viewing help-seeking as a sign of weakness. 

Misconceptions around when to include a psychologist in a team. 

Feeling ashamed. 

 

While we acknowledge these limitations, there is a strong need to move forward and integrate mental health in sports. Every year, the 10th of October is marked as World Mental Health Day. Well the advocacy for mental health awareness should not only be ceremonial but it has to be promoted everyday. We need to freely talk about mental conditions that are likely to impact on the athletes. Mental health issues are most likely to affect athletes on and off the pitch.    Talking about mental health issues not only does it reduce the stigma around it, but also encourages the younger generation to feel free to open about issues affecting them. 

 

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), an estimated 23 suicides take place every day in South Africa, and a total of 460 attempted suicides. Where then does that put athletes, with the mounting pressure of fanatics on their shoulders? Well, COVID-19 hasn't made it any easier for athletes as well the disadvantage of not having fans cheer you on must have also taken a toll on them. 

 

As mentioned, misconceptions about the role of a psychology in sports poses as a limitation. Having said that, it is important to share information about the roles of a psychologist working in the sport context. 

The psychologist would have expertise in the following areas: 

Doing individual consultations with players and the technical team. 

Developing psychological strategies/ mental skills training that enable athletes to cope with and overcome setbacks or injuries. These strategies help an athlete with a variety of psychological domains/ constructs such as enhancing confidence, managing permanence anxiety and maintaining concentration and focus. 

Identify mental strengths and weaknesses that contribute to or affect an athlete’s performance. 

Facilitate pro-active workshops that focus on goal setting, visualization, relaxation, leadership, etc. 

Diagnose and treat athletes with mental health conditions. 

Help athletes to manage on and off-field pressure, anxiety, stress, lifestyle issue, etc. 

Facilitate team building activities. 

Some recreational and professional athletes and teams have realized the value of sports psychology and regularly make use of the services. There is certainly no doubt that in future, sports psychology will become regularly integrated into physical training and match preparation. This could enhance performance of the players and coaches. 

 

Now that I have created a context about the field of sport psychology especially during the month of October, my next articles will be focusing on different sub-topics within the field of sport psychology.