• Health, Hope and Happiness

  • By: Dan Mucci
  • Podcast

Health, Hope and Happiness

By: Dan Mucci
  • Summary

  • Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health's podcast will focus on the mental health of student-athletes. C and A has partnered with Dr. Steve Graef, a Columbus-based sports psychologist, to provide information on various topics so coaches and parents can guide athletes to be mentally fit and strong. Each podcast will examine a topic from the perspective of a coach, parent and athlete. The goal is for all participants to understand their role and enjoy the experience of youth and high school athletics.
    Copyright Mission Advancement
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Episodes
  • How does body imaging affect an athlete's mental health?
    Oct 29 2024
    In this episode of "Ask Dr. Steve," Dr. Steve Graef dives into the crucial topic of body image and its impact on athletes. He highlights how the pressure to conform to specific body ideals—common in high school and college sports—can lead to a host of mental health issues. Negative body image can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, all of which can hinder performance and overall well-being.

    Dr. Graef emphasizes the serious consequences of poor body image, including an increased risk of depression and even suicidal thoughts. He warns against normalizing the pressure to meet certain body standards, as it can be harmful to athletes.

    To navigate these challenges, Dr. Graef offers practical advice. He encourages athletes to seek guidance from athletic trainers or nutritionists when considering changes to their body composition. This episode is a valuable resource for any athlete looking to maintain a healthy mindset while pursuing their goals.
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    16 mins
  • Final version How coaches handle two-sport athletes
    Oct 16 2024
    In this episode of "Ask Dr. Steve" brought to you by Stifel, Dr. Steve Graef delves into the complexities coaches face when working with two-sport athletes. Some of the key challenges include:
    1. Time Management: Coaches often worry about athletes balancing commitments between sports, which can lead to scheduling conflicts and reduced practice time for one or both sports.
    2. Performance Pressure: There can be pressure for athletes to excel in both sports, which may result in burnout or stress, impacting mental health and performance.
    3. Team Dynamics: Coaches may feel that splitting focus can disrupt team cohesion or create competition for playing time, leading to tension within teams.
    4. Resource Allocation: Limited resources (like facilities and coaching staff) can complicate how coaches support dual-sport athletes effectively.
    Dr. Graef emphasizes the importance of open communication. Coaches should foster an understanding environment, recognizing the value of multi-sport participation for athlete development. Instead of creating obstacles, coaches can collaborate with athletes to create flexible training schedules that accommodate both sports.He also suggests that athletic directors play a crucial role by advocating for policies that support multi-sport athletes and providing resources that help coaches manage these challenges effectively. This episode is a valuable resource for coaches at all levels who want to enhance the experience and well-being of their student-athletes.

















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    14 mins
  • Impact of athletes playing two sports
    Oct 2 2024
    What are some of the challenges that two-sport athletes endure? In the summer, communication between two coaches as what practices and games you will be attending or which weight-lifting and agility workouts an athlete will be at. During season, staying focus on the current sport while do a little work for the next sport. There are many benefits to playing two-sports from using muscles to learning how to handles stress and anxiety in different sports. If you are a two sport-athlete, Dr. Steve Graef offers some insightful tips to help you navigate the success and pitfalls of being a multi-sport athlete.

    1. Being a two-sport athlete can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges that can impact mental health. Here are some key challenges they face:1. Time Management
    • Scheduling Conflicts: Juggling practices, games, and workouts for two sports can lead to a packed schedule, making it difficult to find time for rest, recovery, and personal time.
    • Inconsistent Routines: Switching between sports can disrupt a consistent training routine, which can be mentally taxing.
    2. Communication Between Coaches
    • Coaching Expectations and schedule coordination.
    3. Mental Focus
    • Switching Mindsets and seasonal pressures.
    4. Physical Demands
    • Increased Injury Risk and fatigue management.
    5. Social and Emotional Balance
    • Isolation and performance pressure.
    There are significant benefits to being a two-sport athlete, such as:
    • Cross-Training Advantages: Utilizing different muscle groups and skills can enhance overall athletic performance.
    • Stress Management: Engaging in multiple sports can help athletes develop coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
    • Skill Development: Exposure to varied coaching styles and competitive environments can foster adaptability and resilience.
    Tips from Dr. Steve GraefDr. Graef offers several strategies to help two-sport athletes thrive:
    1. Prioritize Communication
    2. Set Realistic Goals
    3. Time for Recovery
    4. Stay Organized
    5. Mindfulness Practices:
    By recognizing both the challenges and the rewards, two-sport athletes can navigate their unique journeys while maintaining their mental health and well-being.
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    13 mins

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