{"id":2758,"date":"2023-12-18T03:51:38","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T03:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vpms1.humber.smartmanagedservers.com\/sweatmag\/?p=2758"},"modified":"2023-12-18T04:46:05","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T04:46:05","slug":"mental-resilience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/mental-resilience\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Resilience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By Drew Chambers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In November 2022, Christopher Bowen, a four-year Libero on the Men\u2019s volleyball team for Humber College, was lacing up for a routine practice at the gymnasium. It was just two weeks before the CCAA Men\u2019s Volleyball National Championships. Going up for a hit, the 6-foot Georgetown native jumped to hit a ball setup by his teammate, and landed awkwardly on his foot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three-time OCAA champion characterized the fall as a bizarre disconnection between mind and limb that was both painful and upsetting. The once familiar sensation of his left leg, now absent, left him reeling. Then, Dr. Hemen Shukla, a Varsity Physician at Humber, gave him the news he feared the most – he had completely torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a ligament in the middle of his knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After experiencing his first-ever injury in his athletic career Bowen was anxious about his ability to recover and regain strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t quite aware if I was able to get back on the court or back to even running again. This was quite a traumatic experience for me physically and mentally,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowen spent the next 12 months not only trying to recover physically but also having to deal with the mental journey caused by this injury. The 22-year-old had to rest while watching teammates play. He constantly second guessed himself about whether or not he\u2019d even make it back to the court. He suffered early setbacks, like significant swelling in his left leg three months post-operation, and the mental game became even more challenging. It all led to an anxious mind, something Bowen had to deal with daily. His mind was filled with negative thoughts and what-ifs about an uncertain return to the sport he\u2019s been playing since he was 10 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowen had never encountered an injury like this before. And he didn’t know how to deal with it. But what Bowen didn\u2019t know was that his recovery journey and the mental health toll it took, looks a lot like most OCAA athletes\u2019 journeys when they suffer a traumatic injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One challenge that most athletes face is viewing the challenges they experience as a threat, as opposed to a challenge.<\/p>Judy Gross, Mental Performance Consultant<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

According to a study, \u201cThe Role of Psychological Resilience in Athletic Injury Recovery and Performance<\/a>\u201d, by Kaza Mojtahe and Kyle Burrichter, published in the Journal of Sports Psychology<\/em>, an injured athlete’s mental landscape is a realm where resilience is pushed to its limits. The authors analyzed the significant impact that psychological resilience has on the healing process and performance after an accident and sheds insight into an athlete\u2019s mindset, especially for those who have suffered the crippling blow of an injury. The capability to manage lapses, maintain a positive mindset, and rebound from adversity are critical factors determining an athlete\u2019s recovery, the study reported. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Judy Goss, PhD, a Mental Performance Consultant, who has amassed 25 years of experience in Toronto, specializes in mental skills training, program management, leadership, and research development for diverse sports. She said that this is one psychological obstacle that stands in the way of a full recovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne challenge that most athletes face is viewing the challenges they experience as a threat, as opposed to a challenge,\u201d Goss said. \u201cHaving a perspective that approaches bumps along the way as something they can learn from and better prepare them for the future is critical. Certainly, having someone to support you along the way and encourage this perspective is important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nadeka Boothe, a former varsity athlete, now an Assistant Coach for Sheridan College\u2019s women\u2019s soccer team, emphasized the importance of having a good support network.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTeam sport emphasizes the idea of community,\u201d Boothe said. \u201cHaving a group of people that are a support system is a huge asset and one you should lean on when needed.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coaches like Boothe play a crucial role in fostering the mental resilience of student-athletes. They provide daily guidance to athletes, serving as mentors and fostering a positive mindset while also providing physical training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne of the most fulfilling aspects of team sports is that you have a band of peers that in many ways are experiencing the same challenges and adversity that you are,\u201d Boothe said. \u201cYou can look to them for an ear, advice, and support as you navigate the inevitable challenges that life throws your way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boothe spoke of how whether it\u2019s a missed shot, a fumble, or a defeat, imperfections are woven into the fabric of competition, just as they are into the tapestry of our daily experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSports mimics real life. You\u2019ll never play a perfect game. Similarly, life will always have its challenges,\u201d Boothe said. \u201cMuch of our survival hinges on our capacity to adapt when confronted with challenges, and to find resilience in moments of adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Christopher Bowen, Humber Hawks volleyball player had to battle mentally and physically after an injury. Photo credits\/Drew Chambers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The athlete\u2019s mind could be described as self-compassion according to a 2022 study named \u201cResilience and Enhancement in Sport, Exercise, Training (RESET): A brief self- compassion intervention with NCAA student-athletes\u201d <\/a>by doctors from the University of Texas and University of Alberta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study claims that taking a supportive rather than judgmental attitude to personal imperfection, whether it be something like an injury, leads to greater well-being and more ability to cope with adversity in sports. It tells us that due to the prevailing expectation of toughness in sports culture, many athletes, including student-athletes and coaches, believe this judgmental attitude or harsh criticism is essential for improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u2018Steven Kopas, Head Athletic Therapist at Seneca College, said there are a range of distinctive mental health challenges athletes might encounter throughout their college career. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCoaches, staff, and teammates can play a crucial role in reducing the stigma around mental health. Openly discussing and sharing experiences can help eliminate the misconception that someone is flawed in managing mental wellness challenges,\u201d he said. \u201cBy acknowledging that, it is normal and natural to have times of difficulty, then we can support and assist each other.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowen returned to the court late October this year. While still facing some challenges regarding the fluidity of his movements, the fifth-year Humber student who is studying his postgraduate certificate in exercise science and lifestyle management said he couldn\u2019t stop smiling. He was finally reunited with the sport he loves after being away from it for so long. He said the support system he had \u2013 two loving parents, a head trainer and clinic manager \u2013 helped him stay positive, so he was able to navigate a rigorous nine-month recovery program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowen said volleyball is not a one-person sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s six or seven people on the court, and you just have to work together as a team. I like to lean on my teammates in a sense that if I\u2019m uplifting and I can bring the energy, then it helps me know that I have people around me to support,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPersistence is key. Feeling like giving up is a thought that may come through. But if you persist every day, no matter how small of a job you do in that single day or week, small things can lead to bigger outcomes.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dealimg with an injury can be tough, not only physically but also mentally. Volleyball player Chris Bowen shares his experience with his recovery from injury<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":190,"featured_media":2767,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[231,10,192],"tags":[237,132,53],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283-160x160.png",160,160,true],"medium":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false],"large":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false],"td_150x0":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283-150x63.png",150,63,true],"td_218x150":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283-218x150.png",218,150,true],"td_300x0":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283-300x126.png",300,126,true],"td_324x400":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283-324x210.png",324,210,true],"td_485x360":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283-485x210.png",485,210,true],"td_696x0":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false],"td_1068x0":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false],"td_1920x0":["https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/12\/DSC_2930_edited-fotor-bg-remover-2023121715214-1-e1702870409283.png",500,210,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"sweatmag","author_link":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/author\/isabelle\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Dealimg with an injury can be tough, not only physically but also mentally. Volleyball player Chris Bowen shares his experience with his recovery from injury","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2758"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/190"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2758"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2758\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2835,"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2758\/revisions\/2835"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2758"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2758"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/humberjournalism.com\/sweatmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2758"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}