Issues Athletes Face While Transitioning To Life After Sports - With Coping Methods
Written by Tommy Crocetti
Every year, thousands of athletes have to quit their passion/hobby of playing sports to take on new roles in society. Many are successful in their new roles, however many struggle with transitioning to life after athletics. The most common struggle is the loss of one’s identity, because usually one’s sport/hobby is a defining piece of themselves. Other struggles involve higher reports of depression and anxiety due to the lack or endorphin release, or even lack of energy or eating problems. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to the struggles of transitioning to life after athletics, and everyone struggles with the transition differently.
The struggles of transitioning to life after athletics is a difficult task if one does not notice their symptoms as being a result of stopping athletics, and it is even more difficult if one does not engage in a coping method to correct the struggles. As athletes, many times we think that because of all the work we have done on the field, court, in the pool, or in the weight room that we are invincible. That is simply not the case, we must address our bodies need to exercise so that we can function to our best ability. If you cannot engage in physical activity/exercise due to injury, then there are other methods of coping as well. It is just not plausible to go from 5-6 days of intense work outs to minimal amounts of exercise, and expect your body to react normally.
The best coping method for the loss of identity is to engage in an adult league for your sport, or a sport new to you if you want to challenge yourself. Other coping methods for loss of identity include coaching at any level, becoming a fan of any professional sports team, simply working out regularly, or participating in support programs for retiring/retired athletes. Working out regularly and participating in support programs, are the best methods to help with the struggles of anxiety and depression from lower endorphin release, eating problems like overconsumption, and lack of energy. The best support programs would be third-party organizations dedicated to providing help to retiring athletes, sports psychologists, and family/mentors. As mentioned before, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so there are multiple methods listed for each struggle. Some methods will work for you, while they won’t work for others and vice versa. So, through trial and error, find out what coping method best fits you in order to perform at your highest ability.
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