Why does injury affect these athletes so much?
The amount of time, energy, and effort put into training for a sport makes it part of their identity. Many athletes find that training helps them emotionally and the removal of this option makes coping difficult.
The other side of the equation happens when an athlete returns to training after being away from the sport for an extended period of time. The athlete will be behind in training plans, perhaps slower or not as in shape as others they usually compete with or against. This concept can also be mentally trying.
“Anyone can be affected psychologically, but the more success an athlete has achieved, the more likely he or she might experience depression or feel a lack of self-worth. In other words, an Olympian would be more affected psychologically by an injury than someone who plays pick-up basketball on Saturdays”
