Sport trouble and general confidence

[T1278910]

I have had a history of mental health issues and only recently started getting into things again. Haven’t been to high school due to these issues or done anything wondering if experience is apart of the problem but I’m almost 17 and I’m eager to start. I have been interested in playing sport and prior to having mental health issues I was typically the better player and played the very highest level of basketball, athletics and afl. In trainings I am mostly fine but in games i tend to panic which makes me do things I wouldn’t usually do. Yet to play a game, but worried about the outcome and have had really bad confidence trouble even though I’m capable. Would love to learn to have confidence and be calm for sport especially and for life and more . Any tips or stories would be much appreciated🙏

[jaz28]

Hi there,

Great to hear you are getting back into it! I am sorry you have struggled. All of us here have in some way - we understand and are here for you!

Have you signed up for any sports? Maybe some social sports might be a nice way to start - they are not as competitive and are a fun way to play. This could help you build confidence to join your school team or local club. Or, you could just get straight into it - what I find helps me is to just do it! It's easier said than done, but once you do it you will be incredibly proud of yourself and probably will have a great time! Ask yourself - what is the worst thing that could happen?

As you push yourself to do more and more (start small and work your way up), you will naturally build confidence and with that, you will be calm. I am rooting for you! And I know it is easier said than done!

Jaz xx

[Petal22]

Hi T1278910,

Wellcome to our forums.

Im sorry you have had some mental health issues I understand they can be difficult.

Thats great that you are getting back into sport.

I understand the panic side of things, I have a lived experience of severe anxiety OCD I have now recovered thanks to the professional help I received.

I was once a very highly anxious person but now I’m a very calm person…………

How did I become that way? With alot of practice and perseverance.

I did a therapy for my OCD which began my journey to becoming calm.

I learned how to challenge my thoughts, I learned mindfulness, meditation, I learned how to change my perceptions on things.

I understand that when you play a game you may panic….. practice being mindful so when your playing your not inside your head your in the present moment….. it takes practice……

Practice slowing down your breathing

Practice meditation I highly recommend it……….. you can drop into a meditative state at anytime with practice.

I also practice reiki I have done 2 levels and do reiki daily on myself…….. I think this has really contributed to how calm I am.

Always remember you can always choose how to react to anything……. This also contributes dramatically to how calm you become over time.

Remember it all takes consistent practice…………

Im here to chat to you……

[T1278910]

Thanks very helpful. I believe I have a future in sport I’m 6’7 and quick my brother is a professional athlete and I think it’s important to start now than later. I know what you mean nothing bad can really happen. I just worry about people laughing saying I’m bad and worst of all having a panic attack on the court and beforehand. I’m starting low grade and just taking baby steps from there. I’m going to play low grade basketball hopefully build up and get calmer in these nervous situations. Also will be doing athletics at the end of the year. On top of that a plan to start tafe in may.

being completely honest I don’t know why I’m nervous and worried about playing, I just worry I’m not good enough I have almost irrational self doubt I believe. I was diagnosed with ocd, adhd, and anxiety. Wondering if self doubt comes from ocd and the panic is a mix of adhd hyperactivity and anxiety. Playing sport with fine motor control is difficult because I’m usually jittering and nervous. Is it experience you think because I haven’t done things in years, is it mental health issues, what can I do overtime to help me get confident and calm quicker. Do I just have to be brave and start playing and going out and be consistent.

just really want to be free and have a good future where I can be successful, happy, fearless, and calm. I’m willing to put the work in to reach my goals. I’m so annoyed at being stressed an nervous I can’t be happy and live normally being like this. I’m very positive about the future but I understand I have to do the work now.

[geoff]

Hello, with OCD you can doubt yourself, telling yourself 'you're not good enough', but firstly, because your brother is a professional player you don't have to compare yourself with him, different abilities, height, weight and agility, no one can be the same.

I have OCD and when playing sport was the only time this illness didn't interrupt me, because I knew that I had to perform the best I could on the day, sure there were times when I didn't play well, but doesn't that happen to all sports people and there could be other reasons why this happens.

When you go fishing, not everytime do you caught a fish, it's the same principle.

There are sport's therapists or going to a counsellor who has been referred by your doctor can help you.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[T1278910]

I don’t necessarily compare myself to my brother but I’m confident I can follow his path, not because I feel forced too because I would like too. Yes, your totally right the best players have some awful games, sometimes I forget how human we are.

this helps a lot I will remember these lessons.

I guess if I didn’t worry I would just play the best I can play that day it is what it is in the end.

thanks for all the help👍

[geoff]

Hello, once being a golfer, one round you might play the best game you've ever played, but the next day it could be the worst and wonder why, and there may never be a reason.

Geoff.