How to Protect Your Mental Health as an Athlete: A Pro's Guide to Handling Criticism
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- Oct 1
- 17 min read
Almost half of elite athletes show symptoms of at least one mental health problem.
Athletes face mental health challenges at rates similar to the general population, despite our physical excellence on the field, court, or track. Only 22.4% of athletes ask for help because they worry about team culture, selection, and confidentiality.
Elite athletes remain uniquely vulnerable to mental health issues. Athletic stressors combined with developmental phases during peak performance years substantially affect our psychological wellbeing. Stress-related symptoms surface when our coping resources stretch beyond capacity.
Criticism from coaches, teammates, fans, and media can damage athletes who lack mental skills to handle it. Research shows that teaching coaches and teammates about proper support reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms among athletes. The current literature on mental health interventions for athletes lacks conclusive evidence-based recommendations.
This piece offers proven strategies that have helped me and countless other athletes protect our mental health and handle criticism constructively. These approaches can change how you experience your athletic trip - from building resilience to recognizing the right time to seek professional help.
Understanding the Mental Load of Being an Athlete
Athletes shoulder psychological burdens that go way beyond physical demands. Our mental load is something few outsiders truly understand. Research shows that about 35% of elite athletes deal with mental health concerns. Burnout, depression, and anxiety top the list [1]. This creates a complex psychological world we must direct ourselves through each day.
Why elite athletes face unique pressures
Life in sports brings stressors unlike any other career. We deal with public scrutiny through mainstream and social-first media. Our support networks often shrink due to moving around, team dynamics, and the constant worry about career-ending injuries [1]. The endless chase for perfection that drives success creates a world where unrealistic expectations become the norm.
These pressures hit us from all sides at once. Everyone from coaches and fans to teammates pile on expectations, turning our world into a pressure cooker [1]. Most of us are naturally driven, persistent, and achievement-focused - good traits that can push us to put too much pressure on ourselves [1].
Research shows that psychological pressure in sports shows up in several ways:
During competition: Match significance, changing game situations, and mission-driven responsibility
In practice settings: Presence of coaches and senior players, fear of disappointing teammates
Self-imposed pressure: Athletes intentionally putting pressure on themselves
External sources: High-performance expectations from others [2]
Many athletes link their physical appearance to sporting ability. This creates extra pressure to achieve specific body types for better performance [3]. Athletes in sports with weight classes or emphasis on being lean feel this pressure even more [3].
The overlap of peak performance and mental vulnerability
Mental health in athletes has a hidden challenge - our competitive prime happens right when we're most likely to develop mental illness [1]. This timing creates the perfect storm where maximum performance pressure meets peak psychological vulnerability.
Regular exercise usually helps mental health, but elite-level training might actually harm mental wellbeing [1]. This explains why we experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and sleep problems at similar rates to everyone else [4].
Some career points bring higher risks. Research points to retired elite athletes facing greater chances of mental health issues [1]. Poor mental health screening and limited support make things worse, with many athletes feeling they can't get the help they need.
Mental health struggles clash with our identity as strong, resilient athletes. We face unique barriers to getting help. These include negative views about seeking support, stigma, poor understanding of mental health, and fears about losing our spot on the team [4].
The mental weight we carry needs as much training as our physical fitness. Learning about these pressures helps us build the psychological tools to handle them better.
How Criticism Impacts Athlete Mental Health
Criticism cuts deep into an athlete's psyche. It disrupts performance and wellbeing in subtle yet profound ways. A survey of more than 300 athletes showed that 90% were upset not by feedback itself, but by their coaches' delivery methods [4]. This difference is vital to protect mental health in athletes.
Types of criticism athletes face
Elite athletes face criticism from multiple sources, each affecting them differently:
Coach criticism: Two main problems emerge here - coaches who focus only on mistakes and those who give feedback publicly to embarrass athletes [4]. The way coaches deliver feedback matters a lot. Athletes often misread their coach's intentions and think they're upset when coaches yell or give stern directions [4]. Some coaches use emotionally abusive practices that cause lasting psychological harm [5].
Teammate criticism: Comments from teammates about weight and appearance can substantially harm wellbeing. Athletes who hear such remarks show more signs of disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, and worse psychological health than those who don't [3].
Self-criticism: The harshest criticism often comes from within. Athletes frequently judge themselves harshly and dwell on failures [3]. Chinese athletes show this tendency more because they compete for team and country, not just themselves [3]. Many athletes believe they need self-criticism to succeed, fearing complacency without it [3].
Appearance-based criticism: Athletes face unique challenges from this type of criticism. Research reveals that 94% of dancers feel self-conscious about their body shape and feel pressured to diet after criticism from dance teachers [3]. Coaches who use hurtful terms like "Pillsbury dough boy" or "fat cows" promote harmful thin ideals [3].
Short-term vs long-term psychological effects
Criticism ranges from immediate reactions to lasting psychological damage:
Short-term effects include:
Criticism can change how athletes view themselves, their sport, and their identity fundamentally.
Long-term psychological effects run deeper:
Chronic criticism relates to many psychological issues. Former national team athletes who faced emotionally abusive coaching reported PTSD-like symptoms [5]. Studies prove that critical comments lead to lower self-esteem and worse body image [3].
Ongoing criticism hurts athletic performance. Self-criticism gets in the way of achieving goals [3] and weakens athletes' self-regulation, emotional recovery, and stress management [3]. These negative attitudes lead to emotional problems, avoidance, and fear of failure [3].
Many athletes end their careers early because of criticism's emotional toll [5]. This often happens just as they reach their peak potential, making it especially tragic.
Criticism shapes identity harmfully. Self-critics define themselves mainly through performance and achievement [5]. They feel good when succeeding but see themselves as defective and worthless when failing [5]. This creates emotional instability and psychological vulnerability.
The effects of criticism last beyond athletic careers. Research shows that emotionally abusive coaching practices continue to affect athletes' mental health and view of their sport long after retirement [5].
Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Strain
Athletes and their support teams need alertness and awareness to spot early warning signs of mental health struggles. Recent studies have found that elite athletes experience symptoms of mental health problems at rates comparable to the general population [4]. Research suggests that almost half of elite athletes acknowledge symptoms of at least one mental health problem [4].
Emotional and behavioral red flags
Athletes often mask their struggles behind the facade of "mental toughness." Certain signals can indicate brewing psychological distress. Character changes that persist or seem unusual come first among these signs. These might demonstrate as increased irritability, withdrawal from teammates or social activities, or lost interest in a previously enjoyed sport [6].
Self-deprecating language serves as another critical warning sign. Athletes who use phrases like "if I lose, I'm a failure" or "if I face setbacks, it shows how stupid I am" reflect irrational beliefs. Research identifies these as core reasons for symptoms of poor mental health [1]. These self-depreciation beliefs predict lower self-confidence [7] and create a negative spiral that affects both performance and wellbeing.
Many athletes show emotional distress through:
Emotional struggles often lead to performance declines. Decreased motivation, difficulty concentrating, general apathy, or disrupted sleep patterns can cause this drop [6]. Athletes who show inconsistent participation, emotional withdrawal, or resist rehabilitation exercises might face deeper psychological struggles [1].
When stress becomes a mental health issue
We needed to understand key thresholds to tell normal competitive stress from actual mental health concerns. Duration and intensity matter most - symptoms that keep interfering with daily functioning need attention.
Physical signs often indicate problems clearly. Athletes with mental health issues frequently report headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained pain [6]. Changes in eating habits and sleep patterns are visible signs that psychological strain has reached concerning levels [2].
Research shows mental health disorders exist across all sports and competition levels. Some evidence suggests athletes face even higher rates than the general population [4]. These conditions don't get enough recognition or reporting - a 2006 NCAA report showed while 21% of athletes displayed depression symptoms, only 4% reported a clinically diagnosed condition [4].
Several factors make athletes more vulnerable to mental health issues. Athletic injuries create unique risks and can trigger or worsen mental health disorders [4]. Mental health conditions can extend recovery time, reduce chances of returning to play, and hurt athletic performance [4].
Demographics play a role in risk profiles. Female athletes, freshman-year athletes, and sexual minorities among male athletes show higher rates of mental health symptoms [4]. The pandemic made psychological challenges worse. Studies show NCAA athletes' sleep difficulties and depressed mood rose 150% to 250% higher than previous levels [4].
Early recognition of these signs allows intervention before serious conditions develop. Mental health indicators deserve the same attention as physical health metrics in routine athletic care.
Building Mental Resilience to Handle Criticism
Building mental fortitude means more than just handling criticism—athletes need specific psychological skills. Research paints an interesting picture: 26% of professional athletes can separate their self-worth from their performance, while this number drops to 10% for high school athletes [8]. These numbers show why athletes should train their minds as much as their bodies.
Developing a growth mindset
Mental resilience starts with what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a "growth mindset"—a way of thinking that shapes our thoughts, decisions, and actions. This point of view helps athletes "embrace learning, welcome challenges, mistakes, and feedback" [9]. In stark comparison to this, a fixed mindset sees situations as set in stone, leaving little room to improve or take action.
Athletes respond differently based on their mindset:
Fixed mindset response: Making excuses about ability ("she's too fast" or "she's too tall")
Growth mindset response: Seeing differences and adapting strategy
Fixed mindset response: Getting upset at penalties, finding fault with referees
Growth mindset response: Learning from penalties and improving technique [9]
Research shows our brains create connections between growth mindset and inner motivation [9]. We strengthened these mental pathways through practice—just like muscle memory. The original steps need conscious changes in language and creating space between events and responses.
Reframing negative feedback
Reframing helps you see criticism as useful information rather than a personal attack. Athletes who learn this skill report much lower anxiety and feel more confident, which makes handling competitive pressure easier [3].
Here's how you can reframe criticism:
Pay attention to what you tell yourself after mistakes. Look for thoughts like "I always mess up" or "I'm not good enough"
Switch negative thoughts to growth-focused ones—change "I failed again" to "I'm learning every time I try" [3]
Think about what you can control—your effort, attitude, and preparation. Research shows athletes who focus on these elements stay emotionally stable and perform more consistently [3]
Female athletes often find it helpful to track negative thoughts for several weeks to spot patterns [10]. Note that reframing isn't about being positive—it's about choosing what events mean to you instead of letting others decide [11].
Separating identity from performance
Your self-worth becomes vulnerable when athletic performance defines who you are. This is a vital reason to create clear lines between your identity and your performance.
Research highlights problems with tying identity to performance: "If my identity is solely as an athlete, what happens when injury or retirement come about?" or "If my identity is as a winner, what happens when I'm not winning?" [8]. This narrow view creates problems during career changes, and studies show retired elite athletes face higher mental health risks [12].
Self-compassion helps separate identity from results. Dr. Matt Mikesell explains: "Self-compassion is the key to knowing how to let go. If we can't have a glimpse of self-compassion after and during difficult outcomes, then how on earth are we supposed to be at our best in our next contest?" [8]
Real self-compassion means:
Being kind to yourself instead of harsh judgment
Understanding others face similar challenges
Noticing feelings without getting lost in them [8]
Stop linking performance to self-worth by pursuing excellence rather than perfection. "Rather than thinking in terms of wins and losses, think about moving the needle forward each day in small amounts," Mikesell suggests [8]. This approach values small improvements over validation from results, protecting your sense of self beyond competitive outcomes.
Effective Coping Strategies for Athletes
Athletes need effective coping mechanisms as the life-blood of their mental balance in competitive situations. Sports psychologists emphasize that peak performance means giving 100% under pressure. This requires specific psychological tools beyond raw talent.
Task-oriented vs emotion-focused coping
Athletes can choose between two main types of coping strategies based on their situation. Task-oriented coping tackles stressful situations through active problem-solving. Emotion-focused coping helps athletes manage their emotional responses to pressure.
Task-oriented strategies include:
Logical analysis: Breaking down problems into manageable parts
Thought control: Redirecting attention to productive thoughts
Mental imagery: Visualizing successful performance
Effort expenditure: Increasing commitment to overcome obstacles
Relaxation techniques: Using breathing exercises to regulate arousal
These approaches work best for challenges we can control, like competition prep or fixing technique issues. Emotion-focused strategies help us see high-pressure situations differently when we can't change our circumstances right away.
Research shows task-oriented coping relates to better sporting performance and psychological wellbeing. Athletes who use these strategies deal with stressors head-on. This helps them maintain their performance levels and avoid burnout.
Avoidance strategies and their risks
Avoidance coping happens when athletes try to escape from stressors instead of facing them. Many athletes use these strategies through physical distraction, social withdrawal, or denial. Short-term emotional relief might help sometimes, but avoiding issues creates problems over time.
Research proves that avoidance coping means stepping back from stressful experiences. This leads to stress building up over time. Studies show avoidance strategies link directly to increased devaluation and both emotional and physical exhaustion.
Dr. Kevin Chapman lists five common avoidance behaviors in athletes:
Overt avoidance: Completely avoiding situations
Subtle behavioral avoidance: Partially engaging but with limitations
Cognitive avoidance: Trying not to think about stressors
Safety signals: Relying on specific objects or people for security
Emotion-driven behaviors: Overreacting to emotional experiences
Avoidance strategies might feel good now but make emotions stronger later. They can help during specific times like injury recovery when goals need adjustment.
Role of mindfulness and self-talk
Mindfulness offers a powerful alternative to avoidance. It helps athletes focus on present experiences without knee-jerk reactions. Studies prove mindfulness boosts key attention skills - orienting, conflict monitoring, and alerting. These skills help athletes stay focused during competition.
Mindfulness practices encourage acceptance of unpleasant experiences instead of avoidance. This frees up mental energy that would be wasted trying to control unwanted thoughts and emotions. Athletes who accept their situation stay present, adapt to challenges, and let go of negative thoughts quickly.
Self-talk—our internal dialog—affects performance significantly. Research shows motivational self-talk helps athletes build endurance, which increases their power output and stamina. Here's how to use this tool:
Monitor your internal dialog before, during, and after performance
Document negative self-talk patterns
Reframe negative statements with growth-oriented alternatives
Reinforce reframed thoughts consistently
Our thoughts shape our feelings and behaviors directly. Changing thoughts from "I'm so slow right now" to "I want to get faster, and will keep working on this" creates positive momentum instead of self-defeat.
Mindfulness paired with positive self-talk stands out as one of the best emotion-focused coping strategies for athletes dealing with criticism and pressure.
The Role of Coaches, Teammates, and Support Systems
Athletes' experience and processing of criticism depends on their support system. Research shows that coaches, teammates, and support staff shape athletes' daily lives. This influence extends to their self-esteem and injury risk [13].
Creating a psychologically safe environment
Psychological safety is the foundation of athlete mental wellbeing [14]. It gives athletes the confidence to speak up, take initiative, and express themselves without fearing negative consequences. Athletes in psychologically safe environments feel they can take interpersonal risks without worrying about humiliation or retaliation [5].
Coaches need to understand mental health's value and take an active role in supporting athletes [15]. The core team must show steadfast dedication to clear values. They should implement well-laid-out communication practices and encourage balanced approaches to performance [14].
Five practical ways to create psychological safety include:
Being present and engaged: Active listening shows athletes you value their ideas and opinions [1]
Showing genuine care: Good questions help understand athletes' viewpoints [1]
Mindful body language: Eye contact and interest demonstrate engagement [1]
Avoiding blame: Solutions matter more than pointing fingers when mistakes happen [1]
Promoting self-awareness: Team meetings and workshops help everyone understand different communication styles [1]
Research shows that athletes who communicate openly with coaches feel safer talking to peers. This leads to better coach-athlete relationships [7].
How team culture influences mental health
Team culture affects mental health through its norms, values, and practices. Studies reveal that athletes feel better when they receive more support from teammates [13]. The feeling of belonging makes a big difference - athletes need to feel accepted, valued, and connected beyond just being team members [16].
Bad leadership can ruin this culture. Studies show that toxic leadership becomes normal when it produces good results [17]. Athletes who speak up against abusive leaders often face silencing to protect those seen as effective [17].
Cultural norms affect how people react to vulnerability. Psychological safety needs vulnerability around mental health to meet with compassion instead of judgment [5]. Leaders should actively promote and reinforce norms that support psychological safety [5].
Encouraging open conversations
Trust starts open dialog about mental health. Athletes who can freely communicate and handle conflict with coaches feel psychologically safer [7]. Research proves that openness and conflict management improve psychological safety, which builds better coach-athlete relationships [7].
Teams should build trust and enjoyment before starting mental health conversations. This creates community and encourages open communication [6]. Coaches should avoid direct questions like "tell me about your emotions" because these might make athletes defensive [6].
More than 300 organizations have promised to support mental health charters. They want to create inclusive sporting environments and fight stigma [2]. These efforts show that people feel safer being themselves rather than "wearing a mask." This helps normalize different mental health experiences [5].
Leaders' attitudes and language affect how comfortable athletes feel discussing mental health [5]. Team captains who openly discuss needing help make others more likely to seek and accept assistance [15].
Psychological safety has become the cornerstone of athlete mental health support programs in Olympic and Paralympic cycles [5].
When to Seek Professional Help
Athletes face one of their most important decisions when they need to seek professional mental health support. People often misunderstand asking for help in sports culture, thinking mentally tough athletes should solve problems on their own [18]. This false belief creates bigger problems over time.
Breaking the stigma around athlete mental health
Athletes continue to face mental health challenges in silence. The biggest barriers include:
The "toughness" mentality that discourages admitting emotional struggles
Fear of judgment from coaches, teammates, or fans
Career opportunities might suffer when mental health issues come to light [19]
Prominent athletes like Simone Biles, Kevin Love, and Naomi Osaka have used their platforms to challenge outdated views about mental health [20]. Their brave choice to put wellbeing first has started global discussions about athlete pressures. Sports culture now recognizes that true strength comes from self-awareness.
How to find the right mental health support
Athletes who want help have several options. They should start with their GP referral, but private referral systems provide quick, confidential alternatives [21].
Sports organizations now offer dedicated mental health services. England Athletics partners with Priory Healthcare to name just one example. This partnership creates a clear self-referral system for nationwide mental health expertise [21]. Samaritans, Mind, and sport-specific helplines provide confidential support for those not ready to talk to team staff [21].
What early intervention looks like
Early intervention and regular mental health check-ins are the foundations of effective athlete mental health management. This approach helps remove barriers that stop athletes from getting timely help [4].
Early intervention includes:
Spotting persistent emotional or behavioral changes
Knowing that mental pain can be as dangerous as physical pain [4]
Building an environment that welcomes requests for help
Research shows athletes don't seek help because they fear consequences like losing their spot on the team [22]. The core team needs training to spot mental distress signs and know about available resources [4].
Keep in mind that ignoring mental health concerns creates nowhere near the long-term risks of asking for support [18].
Long-Term Habits for Mental Wellbeing
Athletes just need the same dedication to their sustainable mental health habits as they do for physical training. Research shows that mental health problems affected more than 76% of athletes during follow-ups. Mental distress and depression symptoms topped the list [23].
Daily routines that support mental health
Consistent self-care practices are the foundations of an athlete's mental wellbeing. Athletes should set aside time for activities beyond training - reading, journaling, outdoor walks, or time with loved ones [4]. Clear boundaries between sports commitments and personal life let athletes recover mentally between training sessions. This balance is a vital part of preventing burnout. Physical fatigue often masks the biggest problem: mental exhaustion [24].
Balancing rest, recovery, and performance
Recovery and performance exist in a delicate balance. Athletes must find the sweet spot between stress (training loads, competition, life demands) and recovery to maintain high-level performance [25]. Many athletes pack too much work into their schedules and don't rest enough [26]. Simple wellbeing measures like sleep quality, workout anticipation, and energy levels can predict performance improvements with up to 72% accuracy [26].
Tracking mental health like physical health
Regular mental health screening helps identify at-risk athletes early. The PHQ-4 questionnaire helps assess mental health symptoms on a 4-point scale. Scores of 5 or higher suggest potential concerns [23]. On top of that, sport-specific tools like the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) help identify behaviors that indicate underlying distress [9]. Elite teams now add psychological data to their monitoring systems. This all-encompassing approach tracks both mind and body together [27].
Conclusion
Athletes must protect their mental health with the same dedication they give to physical conditioning. This piece explores how criticism affects psychological wellbeing and performance, whatever our physical capabilities or achievements might be.
Mental health challenges affect athletes at every level. Statistics show that half of athletes experience mental health symptoms, yet they're nowhere near as likely to seek help. This gap explains why sports culture needs to change.
A growth mindset changes how athletes process criticism. Feedback becomes valuable information instead of personal attacks. An athlete's identity, when separated from performance, shields them from emotional swings that come with sports' inevitable ups and downs.
Athletes who use task-oriented coping strategies see better results than those who avoid their problems. Mindfulness and constructive self-talk help manage pressure without criticism becoming overwhelming.
Support systems are vital to mental wellbeing. Athletes communicate openly about their struggles when coaches, teammates, and the core team create psychologically safe environments. This safety breaks down stigma and encourages them to seek help when needed.
Note that mental toughness doesn't mean handling everything alone. Real strength comes from self-awareness and recognizing when professional help matters.
Athletes should make daily self-care routines, proper recovery, and mental health tracking their standard practices. Their psychological state deserves as much attention as physical training metrics.
Balanced athletic pursuits stimulate better performance and create a healthier, more eco-friendly athletic career. Mental health protection isn't optional for athletes—it drives both performance excellence and personal fulfillment.
Key Takeaways
Athletes face unique mental health challenges that require the same attention and training as physical conditioning. Here are the essential strategies for protecting your mental wellbeing while handling criticism effectively:
• Develop a growth mindset - Transform criticism from personal attacks into valuable learning opportunities by focusing on improvement rather than perfection.
• Separate your identity from performance - Your worth as a person isn't determined by wins, losses, or athletic achievements; maintain self-compassion regardless of outcomes.
• Use task-oriented coping strategies - Address stressors directly through problem-solving and mental preparation rather than avoiding difficult situations.
• Create psychological safety - Build support systems with coaches and teammates where vulnerability is met with compassion, not judgment.
• Seek professional help early - Recognize that asking for mental health support demonstrates strength, not weakness; nearly half of elite athletes experience mental health symptoms.
• Track mental health like physical health - Establish daily self-care routines, monitor psychological wellbeing, and maintain proper recovery balance just as you would with physical training.
Remember, true mental toughness comes from self-awareness and knowing when to seek support, not from suffering in silence.
References
[1] - https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/5-ways-to-create-a-psychological-safe-sporting-environment/[2] - https://sportandrecreation.org.uk/news/driving-positive-conversations-around-mental[3] - https://thementalgame.me/blog/the-art-of-reframing-how-to-use-self-talk-to-turn-mistakes-into-learning-opportunities[4] - https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/athlete-mh[5] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10978613/[6] - https://truesport.org/preparation-recovery/talk-mental-wellness-athletes/[7] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S146902922200231X[8] - https://premiersportpsychology.com/2022/12/27/letting-go-separating-your-self-worth-from-performance-in-sport/[9] - https://formative.jmir.org/2020/12/e22755/[10] - https://totalwomenscycling.com/fitness/sports-psychology-reframing-negative-thoughts[11] - https://athletetough.com/reframing-affects-results-what-you-need-to-know-in-sport/[12] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029224000517[13] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11360398/[14] - https://johancruyffinstitute.com/en/blog-en/coaching-en/can-elite-sport-environments-be-psychologically-safe/?srsltid=AfmBOopWAQNO7lfv7E6xrlGsocx6ReIt_bNlAETC_pSg8KKcQTKlPg_T[15] - https://www.mind.org.uk/media/4354/mental-health-and-elite-sport.pdf[16] - https://hpsnz.org.nz/journal-entries/team-dynamics-and-mental-wellbeing-the-power-of-belonging-in-sport/[17] - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2025.2457038[18] - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mental-health-in-athletes[19] - https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/blog/breaking-the-stigma-addressing-mental-health-in-the-athletic-community[20] - https://hpsnz.org.nz/journal-entries/breaking-the-stigma-athletes-speaking-up-about-mental-health/[21] - https://www.englandathletics.org/welfare/mental-health-support/[22] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6883009/[23] - https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/58/16/902[24] - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach-blog/train-your-brain-mental-wellness-exercises-for-the-endurance-athlete/[25] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29345524/[26] - https://www.sportsperformancebulletin.com/training/training-structure--planning/intensive-training-how-to-balance-it-with-rest-and-recovery[27] - https://theathletedp.com/🧠-monitoring-mental-health-in-elite-athletes-the-emerging-priority-in-sports-science-medicine/
