Abi’s Story: Returning After Injury
The Need
Injuries can have a profound impact on an athlete’s mental health, often triggering feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety, especially when recovery is prolonged. Up to 45% of injured athletes develop depressive symptoms during their rehabilitation, highlighting the emotional toll of being sidelined.
The fear of reinjury can intensify anxiety and even hinder physical recovery, increasing the risk of further harm. Beyond the physical pain, athletes often experience a loss of identity and self-worth, as their sense of self is closely tied to their sport. Being removed from training environments and teammates can also lead to social isolation and disconnection, compounding the psychological strain.
These challenges underscore the urgent need for tailored mental health support, that not only address emotional wellbeing but also help athletes rebuild confidence, connection, and resilience during and after injury.
What Brave Mind did
Brave Mind was contacted by Abi’s Head Coach, who expressed concern about the player’s wellbeing. Following this, Abi independently arranged an initial conversation with Brave Mind, which led to a series of one-to-one sessions with one of our qualified sport psychologists.
These online sessions were tailored to Abi’s needs, with the psychologist developing a personalised course of treatment. The approach was collaborative and paced to Abi’s comfort level, focusing on achievable goals and steady progress. Through this journey, Brave Mind provided consistent, professional support that empowered Abi to build resilience and confidence both on and off the pitch.
“Brave Mind has been pivotal to my return to playing the sport I love. After a traumatic hip dislocation, I was struggling with panic attacks and anxiety every time I stepped onto the pitch.”
The Impact
“Brave Mind has been pivotal to my return to playing the sport I love. After a traumatic hip dislocation, I was struggling with panic attacks and anxiety every time I stepped onto the pitch.
Simon from Brave Mind made it so easy to get started, every session felt personal, supportive, and professional. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was battling a system that didn’t understand me.
With Brave Mind’s support, I built goals to manage my anxiety, and I’ve now returned to playing full matches at the level I want. It’s been life-changing, and I’m so grateful for the help I received.” * Abi, 31
References
Up to 45% of injured athletes may develop depressive symptoms during their recovery
Loss of identity and self-worth: Athletes often define themselves through their sport, and injury can disrupt this sense of self
Social isolation: Being sidelined from teammates and training environments can lead to loneliness and disconnection