Indian athletes are etching their names in Olympics history. As the world watches and celebrates, India’s medal scoreboard shines with the excellence of our champions! Our athletes have turned dreams into glory, making the hearts of every Indian swell with pride!
The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially called as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, now branded as Paris 2024, began from 24th July and will continue till 11th August 2024, in France. Paris is the host city, and the events have been spread across Metropolitan France.
While Manu Bhaker opened the medal tally by winning a bronze for the nation in the 10m Air Pistol women’s event, and yet another in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team, Shooter Swapnil Kusale brought home another bronze in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions. What’s more, the Indian men’s hockey team won another bronze for the country, followed by Neeraj Chopra’s silver in the men’s javelin throw! Clearly, India has been shining brighter than ever, and our champions continue to make us proud!
While all seem golden, people like Vinesh Phogat carried a heavy heart. What should not be forgotten here is how she became the first Indian to reach the Olympic final in women’s wrestling. She is not just a woman athlete but an ace Indian grappler who did suffer a major setback but also secured a silver for the nation.
What does this tell us? True success lies in overcoming all personal setbacks like these. Vinesh Phogat’s story teaches us how resilience in the face of adversity leads us to extraordinary achievements and becoming the pride of our nation.
Having said that, it also urges us to take a pause and reflect on the mental health of our athletes. Is a strong mindset a part of their personality? Well, it’s not the case as it seems!
Exercise is well-known for impacting mental health in a positive way. However, it does not mean they are untouched by depression or anxiety. At the end of all that glory, we’re only humans seeking emotional balance.
Athletes are usually admired for their physical prowess. However, what often goes out of notice is how despite their extraordinary skills, the demands of a good performance can weigh heavily on their mental health.
Studies conducted in recent years, especially in medicine, sports and popular culture, mental health in athletes has earned more recognition. Factors like personality, intensive training, and fierce competition can trigger severe psychological issues among them.
A 2019 study had highlighted how 35% of elite athletes suffer from mental health concerns. Athletes reported feelings of burnout, anxiety and depression as the top-rated issues.
Stressful culture
Nature of lifestyle
Competitive nature of the environment
Constant need for perfection
Impact of social stereotypes and stigmas
Several factors contribute to deteriorating mental health in athletes. Some of these have been discussed as under:
Athletes tend to possess certain personality traits that help them succeed. However, these traits can also lead them to place tremendous pressure on themselves. The constant pressure to perform consistently and survive intensive training sessions can lead to increased levels of anxiety.
Sports teams often demand flawless game play. However, when someone overthinks their performance, it causes immense stress that can undermine their ability. When athletes underperform, they tend to question their self-worth, resulting in increasing fear of failure.
Hazing refers to the practice of subjecting new players to rituals with an abusive nature. Such a practice can have severe short and long-term benefits on their mental health. What’s more, bullying, usually by coaches or peers, can cause feelings of exclusion, isolation, and low self-esteem. As a result, it develops depression, stress disorder or anxiety.
When they suffer from an injury or illness, it can certainly prove to be stressful for anyone. Especially, injured athletes feel intensely pressurized to rehabilitate early and return to the field. Injuries can also lead players to get involved in substance misuse as they often try to self-medicate to heal as early as possible.
Talk to someone trustworthy: Reach out to a mental health professional, parent or a close friend. Perhaps someone in your team can relate to your experiences and emotions.
Boost your social circle: Ensure that you keep positive, encouraging people nearby who significantly improve your perspective. Seek out more positive influences.
Get a sound sleep: Your schedule may be controlled by training commitments. Thus, you must ensure that you go to bed early. That extra sleep will greatly benefit your physical and mental health.
Maintain a good diet: There is a significant connection between nutrition and mental health. Nourishing your body requires you to maintain a nutritious and balanced diet.
Pause to reflect: Understand the source of your stress and what triggers your internal battles. Negative thoughts are inevitable, however, acknowledging and accepting them is the first step towards keeping them in check.
Invest in self-care: Do things that make you feel good about yourself. It could be an outdoor walk or solving a jigsaw puzzle. By focusing on self-care activities, your body releases “feel-good” hormones that help reduce stress.
In the end, the true definition of success extends beyond medals and records. It is defined by the strength of character, the ability to overcome challenges, and the unconditional support we offer to those who inspire us. Here’s to celebrating not only our athletes’ commendable achievements but also their courage and determination in every phase of their journey. They have proved it: A strong mind makes champions shine!
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