Mental Health Issues in the NFL are increasing. The incident with the Miami Dolphin has once again shed light on the complexity of the issue on and off the field. Football psychologists are finding ways to work with athletes to decrease mental health issues, however, the issue is far from resolution.
There are many examples that clearly show mental health issues in players in the NFL in the last 5 years. Just to name a few – Ricky Williams, Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess and the latest Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito.
Ricky Williams coped with depression and social nervousness throughout his 12-year NFL career, which included a couple of drug deferments.
Brandon Marshall was a patient in a Boston treatment facility for several months to learn strategies to deal with his Borderline Personality Disorder.
Ex- Dolphins receiver Davone Bess, member of the Cleveland Browns, is currently fighting with mental health issues.
It is vital that everybody, not just athletes comprehend that psychological issues are real health issues and not something to be marked out, ashamed of or stigmatize. Help is available and help can result in transformation of lives and longevity in sports.
The various incidents that have occurred over time clearly show that mental health issues affect the performance of players just as much as if they lack the proper skills and talent.
Many may think it is difficult to believe that such issues can exist in a sport like football, where being aggressive and being a man’s man is encouraged; where there are clearly winners and a losers and you are told to hold your head up high and don’t be ashamed when you lose; where a wrong move or injury could be career ending, but you are expected to play every game aggressively without fear and hesitation.
Mental health issues can be easily treated by football psychologists and restoring peak performance can be easily done by working with a mental game coach after proper clinical treatment has occurred; however one must first- recognize the need, secondly- seek out help and above all be will to receive it.
The NFL with the assistance of Football psychologists and mental game coaches can meet the needs of the players if the issues are addressed head on, aggressively and now.
Seeking help is the true sign of strength, courage and awareness in athletes. Mentally tough athletes make physically tough athletes.
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