The Impact of Mental Health on Athletic Performance: Elisabeth's Story
Welcome to the first episode of the Offseason Podcast!
In this episode, we dive into the intersection of mental health and athletics with our special guests, sisters Elisabeth and Michaela Brooks. Elisabeth, a senior in college studying speech and language pathology, and Michaela, a mental health consultant, share their personal experiences and professional insights.
Michaela’s Journey into Sports Psychology
Michaela has a rich background in psychology and sports performance, working as a mental health consultant. “I’m here basically for any knowledge that he needs for mental health and treating athletes,” she explains. Michaela’s dedication to understanding the mental health challenges athletes face was inspired by her sister Elisabeth’s experiences.
Elisabeth’s Athletic Experience
Elisabeth has been deeply involved in soccer from a young age. “Soccer was kind of like my niche. It was my thing,” she shares. However, the pressures of college soccer took a toll on her mental health. “It was hard… I started feeling like soccer was more of a chore,” she reflects. Elisabeth’s story highlights the intense pressures young athletes face, often leading to burnout and anxiety.
The Role of Coaching and Support Systems
A significant part of the discussion focuses on the impact of coaching styles on athletes’ mental health. Elisabeth notes, “Our main coach was very nice, very personable, but he was not approachable in the slightest.” Michaela adds, “The coaches set the culture for the team. If they’re hyper-focused on performance without balancing mental health, it leads to burnout.”
Importance of Holistic Support
Elisabeth and Michaela emphasize the need for holistic support systems. “You can have the best support system out there, and it still can take a toll on you,” Elisabeth says, reflecting on her supportive family and teammates. Michaela stresses the importance of external support systems in recognizing and addressing athletes’ mental health needs: “Talking with the outside support system would provide such great insight.”
Career Aspirations and Future Goals
Elisabeth’s journey in speech pathology was inspired by her own experiences with speech therapy. “I knew I wanted to do something that helped kids,” she says. Michaela, working towards her doctorate, aims to bridge the gap between mental health and sports. “I want to work with athletes, showing them how mental health is interconnected with physical health,” she explains.
Conclusion
This episode sheds light on the critical intersection of mental health and athletics. Elisabeth and Michaela’s stories underscore the importance of addressing mental health challenges and providing robust support systems for young athletes. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of the Offseason Podcast, where we continue to explore the vital issues impacting athletes today. For more information and to listen to the full episode, visit The Offseason Company on Youtube.
