COPING MECHANISMS
- Recognize and address the problem
- Allow yourself time to grieve. Don't rush your recovery or hide your feelings.
- Follow a regular sleep schedule, and try to keep to your daily routine
- Spend time doing something for yourself, something you would really enjoy.
- Eat healthy
- Adhere to all medical instruction
- Establish a sense of greater self-worth and purpose
- Avoid making major life decisions
- Do NOT use alcohol or drugs as a means to cope with the stress
- Consider volunteering, finding meaning and a way to contribute to society outside of your sport
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Never be ashamed of the way you feel, and don't let others convince you that you feel otherwise. Be honest with yourself most of all how you truly feel.
- Talk to people. Communication with others, and allowing oneself to seek emotional solace in others helps combat depression