ATHLETE AND BEYOND

MISSION

 

The mission of Athlete and Beyond is to help athletes heal on a physical, mental and spiritual level, guiding them to rediscover their true identity both during their athletic careers and after the spotlight fades. 

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PURPOSE 

 

The Purpose of Athlete and Beyond is to support current and former college and professional athletes who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, transition challenges, sports-related head injuries, and other serious physical or emotional struggles.

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INCREASE IN DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND SUICIDE RATES

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In recent years, there has been a significant increase in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates among college-level and professional athletes, both current and former. Several factors contribute to this rise:

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1. Pressure to Perform: Athletes face immense physical and mental pressure to perform at high levels, often with expectations from coaches, fans, and themselves. This performance pressure can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.  

2. Identity Crisis: Injuries can end or derail careers, leading to feelings of loss, isolation, and an identity crisis. Many athletes derive their sense of self-worth from their sports performance, so when they can no longer compete, they struggle with feelings of inadequacy and depression. 

3. Injury and Chronic Pain: Injuries, especially concussions, have been linked to depression, anxiety, and suicide, particularly in contact sports like football and hockey. 

4. Mental Health Stigma: Historically, athletes have been expected to "tough it out" and avoid discussing mental health struggles. This stigma has prevented many from seeking help, worsening their mental health conditions. Despite increasing awareness, mental health issues are still stigmatized in sports, preventing athletes from seeking help. 

5. Transition Challenges: Former athletes often struggle with transitioning out of sports. The sudden shift from a structured, team-oriented environment to life without the sport that has defined them can result in anxiety, depression, and a sense of purposelessness. Many athletes struggle with identity loss after retiring from competitive sports, which can lead to mental health issues. 

6. Social Media and Public Scrutiny: Athletes, especially at the college and professional levels, are subject to intense scrutiny on social media, where negative comments can contribute to stress, self-doubt, and depression. The pressure to maintain a certain image online exacerbates these issues. 

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Rediscover your true identity beyond the game with Athlete and Beyond. Whether you're a current athlete facing the pressures of competition or a retired or injured athlete struggling with the transition away from sports, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone.

 

Our holistic approach addresses your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, helping you heal from within. Break free from the pressures and expectations, and find clarity and purpose in your life now or in this next chapter of your life after the spotlight fades. Reach out today to begin your journey toward renewed strength, inner peace, and a life that feels true to who you are—on and off the field.

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