Tip of the Month - January 2024
Keeping Mentally Strong – Overcoming Major Depressive Disorder
More and more disturbing facts are conveyed about the increase in stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. It is seemingly rising and spreading among all ages, including younger children. Sports sociologists tell us that whatever happens in general society is reflected at about 10% in the sports world. So, we can assume athletes in all sports are affected.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression is a common mood disorder. Its most prevalent symptoms include persistent sadness and losing the ability to find pleasure in activities/sports.
Sadness is a natural part of the human experience. People may feel sad or depressed when a loved one or pet animal passes away or when they are going through challenges such as break-ups (girl/boyfriend), academic or athletic pressures, bullying, etc. These feelings are usually short-lived.
When someone experiences persistent and intense feelings of sadness for extended periods, then they may have a mood disorder such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Persistent depressive disorder: This condition is also known as dysthymia or dysthymic disorder. Symptoms tend to be less severe than MDD but can last longer.
Potential Symptoms of MDD include:
Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Feelings of anxiety, irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Loss of pleasure or interest in enjoyable activities/sports/training (lack of interest, acting passive)
Lack of energy (showing fatigue)
Getting too much or not enough sleep
Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or guilt (lacking confidence or self-esteem)
Eating too much or too little (trend toward anorexia)
Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
Aches or pains with no clear physical cause
Slowed movement or speech
Thoughts of hurting oneself
Coaches must become more aware of athletes’ actions, behavior, and/or involvement (lack of enthusiasm, ‘going through the motion’ or passive behavior). This makes our job much more complex, but it is not all about technique, training volume, and tactical preparation to win. It is about mental wellness – something many coaches have failed to address for a long time and has surfaced as a big issue in the last couple of years.
Reference:
Healthline (2024, January 31). Your FAQs answered: Is MDD the same as depression? San Francisco, CA: Healthline Media. Wellness Newsletter.