After I recently suffered a severe ankle sprain that sidelined me from basketball for several weeks, I saw firsthand that injuries are not just physically damaging but mentally challenging too! I spoke with Kate McLaren, PhD, a sports psychologist at The Education Alliance, about what to do when injuries change the game.
McLaren, who has a PhD in sport exercise psychology, has taught at Springfield College, New England College, Lasell College, and Cal State Fullerton.
FGN: Why is being injured and on the sidelines so hard for youth athletes?
KM: Being on the sidelines is difficult for athletes because they want to be in on the action and be able to participate. They also do not want to feel like they are letting down teammates, coaches, or family. Injuries can also cause fear and anxiety about the future – whether they will recover, whether a re-injury will occur, or whether someone will permanently replace them on the team.
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