Ep. 20 Managing Mental Health with Young Athletes

In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, Amy engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Haleigh Fisher, MS, LPC of Trailhead Counseling DFW, shedding light on the intricate world of managing mental stress in young athletes. The episode dives into various aspects, exploring the challenges faced by youth and teen athletes and offering practical strategies for parents and coaches to provide effective support.

The discussion kicks off by addressing the significant mental and mindset challenges that young athletes often encounter. Amy and Haleigh then delve into coping strategies for parents when their child doesn't make a team or the desired team—a scenario familiar to many sports families.

A key focus of the episode revolves around handling performance slumps and effectively communicating with athletes during challenging times. The conversation extends to situations where young athletes find themselves benched, unraveling insights on how parents can navigate these moments and maintain open communication with their children.

The importance of developing a positive mindset takes center stage, with the discussion highlighting practical ways for young athletes to foster resilience. Amy and Haleigh underline the collaborative role parents and coaches play in nurturing a mindset that contributes to both performance and overall well-being. Haleigh outlines warning signs that parents and coaches should be attuned to, indicating potential struggles faced by young athletes.

Tune in to this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook for a comprehensive exploration of the mental landscape of youth athletes, featuring expert advice from Haleigh Fisher, MS, LPC. Haleigh Fisher, MS, LPC Trailhead Counseling DFW [email protected]

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