Dr. Ayo Olufade, Ph.D.’s Post

“Being in a good mental spot, seeing my therapist every Thursday is kind of religious for me,” Biles said. “So, that’s why I’m here today.” In 2021, the American College of Sports Medicine revealed that approximately 35% of elite and professional athletes experience depression, anxiety, disordered eating/eating disorders, and/or burnout. As discussions about mental health in sports have intensified due to the increasing concerns for athlete health and wellbeing, it has become imperative for organizations to integrate sports psychology. It is great to see USA Gymnastics now offering mental health support to their athletes, a support that should not be seen as a potential option but a necessity in sport. Let us hope this ripples across the sporting system to improve the mental health support available to athletes, but not just at the elite level, also through developmental stages where mental health issues are equally concerning among athletes. https://lnkd.in/gdjVqFP4

Master Fear and Anxiety to Reach Your Sports Potential! Fear and anxiety no longer have to hold you back from your sports goals. See how! #ATalentedMind #mentalhealth #sportpyschology #sports #athletes

Self Belief. our belief in ourselves varies depending on our situation, surroundings and past results and with many factors affecting our self-belief there are many ways in which we can improve it. I'm one of the mental health leads for the GB Maxi basketball program, and our final online workshop delivered last night before we head out to Italy in two weeks for the European championships, tackled this topic. After the workshop one of the attendees told me they struggled with self-belief even though she had accomplished a lot including representing her country and Great Britain. What's your role and what do you do to raise your self-belief?

If you're like me, you are currently obsessed with the Olympics with most of your attention on the G.O.A.T, Simone Biles. What is remarkable about her is not just her once in a generation talent, but also her vulnerability and focus on mental health. Love this article from Fortune that focuses on how consistent therapy helped her be the greatest we will likely ever see.

The world just got a front-row seat to some serious athletic greatness at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris!! With over 10,000 top athletes in the mix, it’s clear that performance isn’t just about muscle– it’s about mental fitness too! Sure…..elite athletes spend years getting their bodies in peak condition, but let’s not forget the Mindwork that goes into it. They deal with intense pressure, the highest expectations, and endless scrutiny, which means staying mentally tough is just as important as any workout. It’s all about consistently building a strong, resilient mindset that supports peak performance and allows them to handle the HEAT and stay sharp when it really matters! So, as we cheer for our amazing athletes, let’s remember to give a little love to our own mental fitness too… We are all corporate athletes on this platform! Whether you’re tackling a big project or just working hard during a busy summer week (relate much?!), cultivating mental fitness habits can help us navigate our own pressures and excel in whatever we want to accomplish! Let’s work to keep our head in the game!!  💪🏅 (Thanks to friend of MYNDY—Freddy Nguyen, MD, PhD—for the article tip! If you have any - send em our way at team@myndy.co or tag us) #Olympics2024 #MentalFitness #Resilience #Focus #HighPerformance

A strong, solid and powerful come back. Special moment to watch on the short interview, showing how seeking professional help on mental help is part of her come back. Mental health is so important as much as your physical well-being. https://lnkd.in/g4Ka7dzK

Discover the nuances of teen anxiety with our insightful blog post. Learn what anxiety is, its biological roots, and how it manifests. Recognize the signs and symptoms to watch for, and understand when it might indicate a disorder. Dive into the impact of anxiety on teens' lives, from academic pressures to social challenges, and the role of social media. Explore effective coping strategies, from self-care to professional help, and create a supportive environment. Equip yourself with knowledge to support the mental well-being of teenagers. #MentalHealth #TeenAnxiety #SupportTeens https://lnkd.in/e76N9Xus

Mental Health is as important as physical health.

In our digitally-driven world, the mental well-being of today's youth is under unprecedented pressure. From the constant barrage of social media comparisons to the addictive pull of electronic stimulation, adolescents are navigating a minefield of stressors that threaten their mental health every day. As screens dominate their lives, fostering a generation wired for instant gratification, the need for holistic approaches has never been more urgent. It's not just about tackling symptoms; it's about empowering young minds to cultivate resilience and emotional intelligence in the face of these modern challenges. #BrazilianJiuJitsu #KidsWrestling #YouthMentalHealth

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Simply Smiles hosted a panel discussion titled "Athletes Breaking the Silence," sparking a crucial conversation about the mental health challenges faced in sports. The objective was to destigmatize athletes speaking out about their mental health and to encourage coaches and support staff to offer needed support. This engaging session emphasized the critical role that support systems within the sports community play in encouraging athletes to discuss mental aspects beyond the technicalities of their sport. We extend our gratitude to our esteemed panel for initiating this important dialogue. #Athletes #MentalHealthinSports #MentalHealthMatters #SportsPsychology #AthleteWellness #AthleteWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #EndStigma #SportsTalk