24 Feb 2023
Helping You Gain A Mental Edge
Whats Your Thoughts? Does Optimised Mental Health = Better Performances?
Most professional clubs, academies and governing bodies managerial staff are well versed in trying to ensure that their players or athletes are technically skilled and tactically well versed. As well, making sure that their athletes have and continue to develop the necessary physical components so that they can perform at their peak is seen as important for many, too. However, where many find themselves lacking is in having good processes in place and creating a culture that addresses the importance of mental health in sport for their players.
The senior managerial team’s role in supporting their athletes well-being and mental health has been a grey area for a long time, however it is slowly changing, thankfully. The complexity has meant that many sporting clubs and organisations have turned a blind eye to it. Today, though, it is noticeable that more and more organisations are putting procedures in place for their athletes as they recognise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and also the links between well-being and optimal performance.
For more on this topic feel free to read this blog where I go on to explain more and also advice what professional clubs and organisations could do to create more mentally healthier cultures.
Today’s guest on the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, Dr Paul Gorczynski also has extensive knowledge in the area of Mental Health. We go on to chat about his background and his research in the development and implementation of mental health literacy strategies. He shares some great advice for decision makers in organization’s as well as useful ideas for Sport and Exercise Psychologists who have an interest in mental health and psychological well-being.
Other relevant podcast episodes and blogs where we educate you around mental health in sport:
Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport
Ep066: Marilyn Okoro – Mental Health and Resilience: Lessons from an Olympic Medalist
Ep113: Polly Brennan – The Relationship Between Mental Fitness, Mental Health and Mental Toughness
Ep123: Richard Dorney MBE – Supporting People: What Can You Learn About Resilience From The Military
Ep128: Paula Eddy-Wilcox – Can You Show Vulnerability and Be Mentally Tough? Yes!
Blog – Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance
Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment
Quote of the week
You may also want to check out the following podcasts and resources too where some hugely helpful insights are shared:
Everything Athletes – Mental Health for Competitors – Kim Carducci
The Importance of Mental Health in Athletes with Two AMSSM Past Presidents EP #483
IOC Mental Health in Elite Athletes Toolkit
3 WAYS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK:
Best Wishes
David Charlton
Online Sports Psychologist | Mental Performance Coach who supports many highly motivated athletes, young and old, developing their skills or who are already highly skilled so that they gain a mental edge and get the most from their talent across the globe from USA/Canada to Great Britain and Ireland to UAE, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, using ONLINE Video Conferencing.
Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence
Host of Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast
Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub
Author of The Mental Edge
With over a decades’ experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to transfer their skills from training to competitive situations, under pressure.
T: +44 7734 697769
