Mental Health Matters
Q&A with Dr Kirsten van Heerden (Sharks PDM)
Dr Kirsten van Heerden, Clinical Psychologist specialising in sports and performance, shares insights on mental health, flourishing and preparing athletes for life after their professional sporting careers.
About Dr Kirsten van Heerden
Dr Kirsten van Heerden is among a rare group in South Africa who have both represented the country as an athlete and earned a PhD in Sports Psychology. She practises privately at Newton Sports Agency in Durban and serves as a Player Development Manager (PDM) at Sharks Rugby Union through MyPlayers.
Mental Health in Sport
Q: What common mental health challenges do players face, and how can they be addressed?
A: “There are two parts to this: challenges to general wellbeing and diagnosable issues like depression and anxiety. I like to think of mental health on a spectrum, flourishing at one end and mental ill-health at the other. Good mental health is not just the absence of illness but the presence of wellbeing.”
She explains that common issues in rugby include depression, anxiety, and sometimes alcohol abuse. “Players also face relationship challenges, pressure of the game, and injury-related stress.”
Education is key. “Most players don’t fully understand mental health, there’s a big difference between being sad and being depressed, yet these terms are often confused.” Dr van Heerden advocates for compulsory mental health checks, just like medicals, to normalise psychological support.
Q: How can players balance the mental demands of sport with personal wellbeing?
A: “Personal wellbeing should be the foundation for performance, not something separate. Michael Phelps performed at the highest level despite mental health struggles, but it wasn’t sustainable.”
She advises prioritising sleep, relationships, and hobbies outside rugby. “See yourself as a person first, a rugby player second.”
Q: When should players seek professional help?
A: “Psychology isn’t just for crisis, it’s about ongoing growth. Signs you may need support include losing interest in things, feeling low for two weeks or more, struggling with motivation, physical symptoms like chest pressure, using alcohol to numb feelings, or withdrawing from loved ones.”
Q: How should players approach performance slumps or setbacks?
A: “Accept that ups and downs are part of life and sport. I love the saying: ‘No one stands in line for a flat rollercoaster!’ Developing optimism, believing that things can improve if you keep doing the right things, is vital for high performance.”
Flourishing in Sport and Life
Q: What does flourishing mean for athletes?
A: “Flourishing is complete wellbeing, not the absence of negative emotions, but managing them effectively.” She references the PERMA model:
- Positive emotions
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning
- Achievement
Q: What practices promote flourishing?
A: “Mindfulness – being present in the moment is fundamental. Acceptance is part of this: acknowledging your reality without resistance.”
She emphasises relationships quoting Adrienne Rich: “There must be those among whom we can sit down and weep and still be counted as warriors.”
Q: How important is it for players to develop interests outside their sport?
A: “It’s critical. Athletes often become consumed by their sport, which can harm identity and self-worth. Having interests and friends outside rugby helps recharge and smooth the transition after retirement.”
Preparing for Life After Sport
Q: What psychological challenges arise in retirement?
A: “Identity loss, losing structured routines, finding new goals, and losing the team support system are common challenges. Relationships outside sport also shift, requiring adjustment.”
Q: How can players prepare mentally for retirement?
A: “Develop dual dreams: a rugby dream and another passion or goal. Many worry this will distract them, but it’s essential for a smooth transition.”
Q: How can athletes find purpose after their sporting career?
A: “Purpose is created, not found. Exploring new experiences often builds passion over time. A great piece of advice I heard is: ‘Go from trying to be the best in the world, to being the best for the world.’”
Further Resources
Watch Dr Van Heerden on reframing retirement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JQ30YM7WGE