Being sidelined from a sport or athletic activity because of an injury can signify a major loss for not just athletes but anyone who enjoys time on a court, field, course or gym.

Mental health professionals stress the importance of dealing with the mental and psychological aspects of being sidelined to aid in a healing process that includes addressing much more than just physical pain.

“When an athlete is injured and loses the ability to train, race, compete and be with their team, there are aspects of grief that go along with the physical setbacks they experience,” said Dr. Justin Ross, licensed clinical psychologist and director of UCHealth’s Workplace Well-being Program. “It’s common to deny or downplay the severity and impact of an injury when it first occurs. No one wants to be hurt or have their training or season disrupted. The psychological impact of that initial loss needs to be recognized and understood.”

Don’t short-circuit the grief process after an injury

Along with the pain that comes from broken bones and torn ligaments, an injury brings the stress of dealing with medical and therapy appointments and learning to live and work or attend school with a new reality that could include physical limitations.

“The daily structure and routine of a sport provides significant anchoring and a sense of well-being for people,” Ross said. “When that’s removed, a core sense of someone’s identity can be impacted in a profound way.”

While the initial phase of an injury can bring uncertainty, fear and even anger, once a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is laid out, people often are more hopeful as they see a path to recovery.

Ross cautioned that even as athletes return to their sport or activity, it’s not unusual for them to still feel uncertainty and anxiety as they ponder whether they can return to their pre-injured status or reach a higher level that may have been a long-time goal.

“In fact, the return to sport phase may have the highest level of anxiety and stress for many,” said Ross. “People may worry about the possibility of being re-injured, not returning to their pre-injury form or fitness, and for those on teams, they may have a fear of letting down their teammates.

“These are internal ailments that you can’t see, even when your body might be physically ready to return,” he continued. “We don’t want athletes to suffer in silence, so we need to start the conversation by recognizing that these are commonly aspects seen in the psychological healing process.”

How others can help an athlete recovering from injury

When an athlete hangs up their shoes to recuperate, Ross has several recommendations.

• Parents, family, friends and community members should recognize and acknowledge the psychological stages that an athlete might be experiencing during rehab and stay connected to support their recovery.
• Coaches, trainers and teammates should encourage athletes to remain part of the team by attending practice, games and other related events as they are able, so they stay in contact with their athletic family and retain close ties with their teammates.
• Mental health professionals are available to help athletes navigate rehab and recovery.
• Use the time away from a sport to reflect on its importance, provide clarity about goals and appreciate other aspects in life.

“We have to be reminded that loss is the greatest driver of sadness and possibly depression we experience as human beings,” he said. “We need to give ourselves permission to process the psychological components of injury and work through them, just as we do the physical ailment.”

This story first appeared in the Steamboat Pilot.