Certified Athletic Therapists play a critical role in maintaining the physical well-being of athletes, treating various injuries from minor to catastrophic. In an at-times demanding, high-stress work environment, physical health remains top priority, which means a Certified AT’s own mental wellness can be overlooked.
We spoke to Frances Flint, a Certified AT with a Ph.D. in Sports Psychology and Sports Medicine. The foundation of Frances’ career as a Certified AT was built upon the concept that mental and physical health hold equal importance in the world of sport and Athletic Therapy. “To me it's a perfect marriage, we focus on the physical, but the mental is intertwined,” she says, “they have to be joined.”
Catastrophic injuries are physically critical events that Certified ATs are trained to handle; however, their severity can cause a ripple effect. As Certified ATs are trained to be first responders, it is Frances’ belief that mental protection should be readily available and educated to those working in the field. Often, these injuries are unexpected and intense, and it can be difficult to prepare mentally for the aftermath.
“You jump into the moment, you deal with the management of that moment,” Frances says. “That's your training.” But after the initial impact, you stop for the first time and the adrenaline wears off. When the post-event reflections begin, Certified ATs may ask themselves tough questions. Did I do everything right? Was there something I missed? “This is the point where we want to provide some support.” Frances explains.
Effectively managing the mental aftermath of treating a critical injury must include a way to access support. An initial debrief is vital to this process, providing Certified ATs with a chance to unpack the moment of injury response and its impact on their own wellbeing. If these feelings of worry persist for more than a week, it may be time to reach out for additional help. That way, if long-term effects continue, individuals can get the help they need, when they need it.
When it comes to stress management in Certified ATs the ancient proverb “Physician, heal thyself” shows great relevance; to provide your athletes with the best possible treatment, you must be willing to prioritize self-care. After a critical injury, Frances says it is common for Certified ATs to “park it, put it in a drawer and close it, but those critical incidents build up.”
Long-term effects of a critical injury can manifest physically, cognitively, emotionally and behaviorally, and each symptom can require a different coping mechanism. “We need to look at the thing that helps us in dealing with stress,” Frances says, and prioritize these approaches. These can vary by person, but finding something that works and using it is key. Anything from going for a run to talking to another person to journaling can help; but it’s most important to do it.
When it comes to the psychology of injuries, education increases awareness and prepares candidates for when a critical injury occurs. “Our athletes deserve our best, we can’t give our best if we don’t treat ourselves well.”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as an organization, CATA continues to work towards providing space for the mental wellness of Certified ATs. Learn more by visiting the members resources section on the CATA website.
