Reflection on Greater than the Game- Athletes and Mental Health

Reflection on Greater than the Game- Athletes and Mental Health

As a football player, the video on athletes and mental health resonated profoundly, hitting close to the struggles I have encountered within the sport. The speaker’s words unveiled the often-concealed challenges that exist behind the glamour of football, highlighting the immense pressure and mental strains that players endure. In football, the stigma surrounding mental health is palpable (TEDx Talks, 2023). There’s an unwritten rule that players must embody unshakable toughness, both physically and mentally. I have found myself grappling with moments where admitting to needing help felt like a betrayal to the team spirit—a clash between personal struggles and the image of unwavering strength expected on the field.

The description of the packed football schedules struck a chord. Balancing practices, matches, and commitments leaves little time for personal reflection or self-care. The weight of expectations amplifies under the spotlight, heightening the fear of disappointing not just myself but also the fans and teammates relying on me. The speaker’s revelation about concealing personal battles to avoid being dropped from the team hit home (TEDx Talks, 2023). The fear of repercussions for showing vulnerability in such a competitive field is a haunting reality. I have witnessed how this silence can spiral into a lonely struggle, with mental health concealed beneath the facade of toughness.

The reminder that I am more than just my achievements or my jersey number struck a chord (TEDx Talks, 2023). It’s an ongoing challenge to define myself beyond the confines of football. Recognizing my value beyond goals scored or games won has become crucial for maintaining a healthy perspective. Ultimately, this video serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change within football culture—a call for a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health. Besides, behind every player chasing victory on the field is an individual navigating their own emotional battles and complexities.

References

TEDx Talks. (2023, April 25). Greater than the Game: Athletes and Mental Health | Brenna Murray | TEDxUNCCharlotte [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

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Reflection on Greater than the Game- Athletes and Mental Health

While we have focused on physical injuries during the vast majority of the semester, there are other areas of athlete well-being. Here in the last module of the semester, you have been provided a collection of Ted Talks discussing mental health in athletes. Your last two assignments for this course will be to watch these videos and then provide a reflection on those videos through your own experiences as an athlete and/or coach. The first reflection will be on the Greater than the Game: Athletes and Mental Health. The second reflection will be the Toxicity of Sports Culture on Athletes’ Mental Health.