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A Framework for Prevention and Treatment |
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With the increasing competitiveness in sports, athletes are at a higher risk of
experiencing mental health problems. Sports organizations and coaches often
overlook the psychological well-being of athletes, leading them to suffer from
stress, lose social connections, and resort to alcohol and drugs as a means of
escape. To prevent psychological complications and breakdowns among competitors,
it is crucial to pay more attention to the emotional health of athletes. This
essay proposes a framework consisting of several steps that sports organizations
and coaches can implement to address mental health in athletes effectively.
The first level of the proposed framework is the preventative component. Coaches
should encourage athletes to seek early help, work on the development of
personality traits, and provide mental health screenings and feedback. It is
also critical to work persistently on mental health literacy among competitors
to reduce stigma and support athletes in the initial stages. The second stage of
the framework is the treatment component. Individually focused programs are
necessary to identify and treat mental health problems. For instance, if an
athlete suffers from a lack of social relationships and alcohol problems, they
require an individually focused program that helps them manage life-sport
balance better. However, if the mental health disorder progresses, there is a
need for specialized care that can be provided only by licensed professionals.
During the treatment phase, implementing an emergency plan is required for
athletes with psychological complications.
Confidentiality plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of this framework, as
the maintenance of privacy has a beneficial effect on the mental health of the
athlete. The key stakeholders of this strategy are the owners of the sports
organization and the athlete. By prioritizing the emotional health of athletes,
sports organizations and coaches can ensure that athletes can perform at their
best, both physically and mentally, without succumbing to psychological
complications. In conclusion, implementing a framework that addresses mental
health in athletes is essential for the well-being of competitors and the
success of sports organizations. |
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