Jo Davies is a sports psychologist, and an athlete, competing in Triathlon competitions. She has worked with athletes ranging from grassroots to elite sports programs. More importantly Jo has supported my journey from the start of my career on the Army boxing team until I finally retired, and has always been on hand to share her thoughts and wisdom.
We chatted to her on zoom about a series of topics to get a brief overview of sport and its impact on mental health and what athletes should remember to aide their wellbeing.
We discussed the link between exercise and mental health, noting that exercise in general has a multitude of health benefits not only physical but also psychological, however its also important to note that obsessing over exercise can create a negative relationship. Using exercise as a punishment for eating certain foods is not a health balance and psychologically is damaging.
We explored how elite athletes face higher rates of mental health issues compared to the general population, with Jo referencing a recent IOC study finding up to 33% of elite athletes experience mental health problems due to performance pressure, injury risks, and identity tied to athletic achievement.
Overview of the interview below:
Career Recovery After Athletic Injury
Lucy discussed her experience with a career-ending boxing injury that left her unable to move her arm and participate in physical activities she previously enjoyed. She described the psychological impact of losing her athletic identity and the challenges of returning to work while dealing with limited physical capabilities. Lucy emphasized the importance of routine in her recovery process, noting that having structured activities like walking the dog helped her maintain motivation when she couldn't find it herself. Jo agreed with Lucy's perspective, adding that action often precedes motivation and that having commitments like dog walking or gym sessions can provide the structure needed to overcome lack of motivation.
Sports Retirement Identity Challenges
Lucy and Jo discussed the impact of losing identity after retiring from sports, particularly at the grassroots level. Jo explained that the experience varies depending on whether retirement was voluntary due to achieving goals or involuntarily due to injury or non-reselection, with the latter potentially leading to feelings of failure and negative self-perception. Jo advised giving people space to process their emotions and suggested healthy coping mechanisms like talking to others or engaging in activities that allow for emotional expression.
Athletic Career Transition Discussion
Lucy discussed her decision to quit boxing, explaining that despite being a good athlete, she no longer enjoyed the sport due to physical pain and feeling outpaced by younger competitors. She shared a parallel example from her wife's experience in high-level cricket, where her wife chose not to pursue a professional contract to avoid the pressure and potential negative impact on her mental health. Jo emphasized the importance of accepting and processing difficult emotions during such transitions, while also considering how to broaden one's identity beyond athletic achievements.
Athlete Retirement and Mental Health
Jo discussed how athletes often focus entirely on their sport, neglecting other aspects of their identity that need nurturing, and explained that retirement presents an opportunity to explore these different parts. Jo emphasized the importance of giving oneself time and space to discover new interests and activities after retirement from sport. The conversation also touched on the stigma surrounding mental health in sports, with Jo noting that while awareness has improved, there's still a gap between how physical and mental health are treated, and Lucy suggesting that earlier access to support at grassroots level could help address these issues.
Teenage Mental Health Support Trends
Jo discussed how teenagers are becoming more aware of and open to seeking psychological support, noting a shift from parents forcing children into sessions to teenagers actively requesting them. Jo emphasized the importance of early career planning for athletes transitioning out of sport and highlighted research on supporting neurodiverse athletes, mentioning Josephine Perry's work in this area.
Autism and ADHD in Sports
Lucy and Jo discussed challenges around autism and ADHD in sports, noting that there's insufficient research on how coaches should create safe spaces for athletes with these conditions. Lucy shared an example of a female athlete who needed time to process emotions after a race, demonstrating the importance of understanding individual needs. They agreed that children need early coping strategies and awareness of their feelings, while adults like the athlete example can develop the confidence to communicate their needs.
ADHD in Junior Athletes
Jo discussed working with junior athletes who have ADHD, explaining that she typically uses walking and talking sessions rather than traditional room-based meetings. She identified attention challenges and self-criticism as common symptoms, noting that athletes with ADHD often have a negative bias toward their performance and struggle to recognize their strengths. Jo recommended that Lucy consult with Josie about writing a blog on ADHD in sport, and they discussed how perfectionism and fear of failure can impact athletes' mental health and performance.
Self-Care and Imposter Syndrome Discussion
Lucy and Jo discussed self-criticism and imposter syndrome, with Lucy planning to explore ADHD in elite athletes further. Jo provided personalized self-care advice, emphasizing the importance of identifying individual needs and considering both social connection and nature exposure. They also discussed the potential benefits of cold water swimming and the impact of technology on wellbeing, with Jo suggesting the value of time without technology.
Well-Being Improvement Strategies Discussion
Jo and Lucy discussed strategies for improving well-being, focusing on being present in activities and managing social media's impact. Jo emphasized the importance of sleep and listening to one's body, while Lucy suggested taking breaks from social media and adjusting activities based on energy levels. They agreed to share resources and connect further, with Jo offering to send a Zoom summary and relevant links for Lucy's blog.
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