Psychology Month 2025
February is Psychology Month in Canada, where we recognize the role that psychologists play in our communities. Psychology is the study of the brain and its functions, including thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
For athletes and coaches, this means learning about how they prepare themselves for competition, respond to different situations, and interact with their teammates, training partners, and competitors.
Psychologists play an important role in helping athletes manage their mental health, build resilience, and manage pressure so they can perform at their best when it matters most.
Game Plan is Canada’s Total Athlete Wellness program that strives to support national team athletes. Game Plan has partnered with psychologists across COPSIN to support mental health and wellbeing.
This includes developing a Mental Health Strategy for High Performance Sport in Canada, providing individualized mental health support for athletes, and creating a library of resources to be used by athletes, coaches, and sport organizations. Visit the Game Plan website for more information.
At CSCM we prioritize an athlete’s holistic health and performance, including their mind and body. Understanding how a person’s physical health interacts with their mental health is an important factor.
Some of the common issues that athletes face when it comes to their physical and mental health include:
- Injuries
- Illness
- Health anxiety (e.g., worrying that a minor tweak or strain is a symptom of a more major concern)
- Fixation with perceived defects or flaws in their body or physical appearance
- Disordered eating
Treatments like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help address patterns in thinking that lead to discomfort and distress.
Thanks to CSCM’s Kevin Kristjanson for putting together this information. If you have questions or would like to discuss this further, athletes are encouraged to contact your CSCM Sport Psychologist. Members of the general public can find a psychologist to work with at the Manitoba Psychological Society website.
Coming Up: March is Nutrition Month, so stay tuned for more information from our Nutrition team about taking care of your body!
