Life after sport: Are you ready for pain and mental health issues?

…..However, the first problem retiring athletes deal with is the sudden loss of identity.

Over the playing years, one develops an identity that at times transcends themselves and if one is lucky, they might even have a cult-like following of their personality; like that enjoyed by Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, Serena Williams, amongst many others.

What happens when one retires and all of a sudden, the cult worship stops? Some athletes feel like they have lost themselves and are unable to reconcile with the new status. That is the onset of depression, withdrawal and a host of other mental problems..... 

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Bethany`s Notes: Although this article focuses specifically on professional athletes I believe HS and college athletes struggle with life after sport as well. It is essential athletes know what resources are available to them and how many skills they do have to bring to the table.