Between 2007 and December 2019, there was a mean of 62.49 injuries per 100 players per season in all professional sports, study shows. Athletes are known to overcome some of these incredibly dangerous injuries. From torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) to concussions, athletes have fallen down but gotten right back up for redemption. Professor of Psychology, Dr. Grayson Kimball, shared how these career-threatening injuries affect an athlete’s mental health.
What are the protocols for injuries in athletes during a game? Should there be a psych evaluation before returning to the game? I’m unfamiliar with the specific protocols for athletes injured during a game. I believe that a head injury requires a neutral doctor (not a team-appointed doctor) to clear the player to remain in the game – but I would check NFL, NBA, etc., protocol on that. In terms of having a psych evaluation, I don’t believe that would be necessary to play in a game following an injury.
Are athletes more prone to injuries? If so, why?
They are more prone than the average individual since they are more physically active. However, athletes that are proactive with their injury prevention training would probably be less likely to experience an injury compared to someone who does not exercise regularly and engages in strenuous activity.
A few months ago, the world witnessed Damar Hamlin collapse mid-game. During that moment, his survival was unknown – how does the trauma of watching your teammate get injured affect your mindset on the game?
It will affect your mindset for that game – the league made the correct decision to stop the game and resume another day. Since Damar was fortunate to survive the incident, its impact on the team in their following games was likely more motivational, by wanting to win one for him.
Like Damar Hamlin, Tua Tagovailoa made headlines for playing after not being fully cleared by concussion protocol. How do multiple injuries in one season affect your approach to returning to the game? How does it affect your brain? CTE?
Athletes can certainly feel frustrated if they incur multiple injuries during a season. In the case of concussions and CTE, I’m not an expert in that area and would refrain from commenting on the effects it can have on the brain.
How does a sports injury affect your mental health? Career-ending injuries?
Career-ending, traumatic injuries can have a profound effect on the mental health of athletes. Ever since they start playing, athletes have a feeling of invincibility. Years ago, I read a study that asked Olympic athletes the following question – if you could take a pill that would guarantee you a gold medal but kill you within 5 years, would you take it? Over 50% said they would take the pill and weren’t worried about it killing them “Because I’m an athlete, I’ll survive”. When they suffer an injury that can potentially take away their livelihood, their mental health should be addressed.
