5 Ways to Coach with Mental Health in Mind

Let us talk to you about coaches.

We have the utmost respect for coaches. Coaches give a tremendous amount of time to their passion. They care about their sport and they care about their athletes. In our experience, the vast majority of coaches want their players to be healthy, happy individuals. They want them to thrive both as individuals and as athletes. Coaches are typically confident in their ability when it comes to coaching their athletes however when it comes to supporting the individual we tend to see coaches at a loss.

Coaching with mental health in mind.

Being a positive social responder is something that we all should strive to be. Coaches however, have an incredible opportunity to reach so many young people that it is something we should be teaching and encouraging them to be.

What does it take to be a positive social responder?

• As leaders in sport we spend a lot of time teaching and modelling to those around us through speaking to them - sharing our thoughts, insights and wisdom. We may forget the most important and undervalued communication skill is listening.

Demonstrate understanding and empathy

• Refrain from fixing! You will be surprised by how much more approachable a situation is if you don’t feel like you must have the solution. Do your best to understand where your athletes are coming from even if it doesn’t make sense to you!

Pay attention

• Think about how it feels when you know you have someone’s undivided attention – when they are looking at just you, not checking their phone or gathering their stuff to leave.

Thank them for talking to you

• Let your athletes know that you appreciate them coming to you. Thank them for trusting you with how they're feeling and what they are dealing with.

Check in the next time you see them

• Following up with your athletes lets them know you care, that you haven't forgotten. Either  pull them aside (privately) and ask how things are or a deliberate "How are you doing today". You when you have moment to ask that simple question, it can go a long way.

It's not your responsibility to fix things or find the solution. But, you have the power to shift their experience based on how you respond.

Support your athlete with HONE

Sport puts major emphasis on developing the physical skill of athletes yet little emphasis on developing an athlete’s ability to manage the different stressors that contribute to their overall wellness. Mental health can affect the athletic performance of any athlete. Don’t let unknown levels of stress keep your team from greatness.

At HONE, we built a digital platform to help nurture healthier, happier and better-performing athletes. We are currently offering free info sessions to discover how HONE can work for your organization. Sign-up below.