Hey, I'm Kerri! I am currently a certified and licensed athletic trainer that is practicing in the NCAA Division III collegiate level. I have been certified/licensed for 7 years, and have always been at the collegiate level. What got me into being an AT, was I played volleyball, through high school and college, and knew that I wanted to stay around the world of sports in some capacity. I was fortunate in my career to never sustain a season-ending injury, other than a few bad ankle sprains. As an athletic trainer however, I have closely dealt with many serious injuries and have relied upon my minor in psychology in understanding techniques to hopefully help my athletes through the difficult process of coming back after a serious injury.  

 

Can you give an estimate of how many injured athletes you see per season and how many major/season-ending injuries you’ve seen?

 

I would estimate that I see, on average, 2-3 serious or season-ending injuries in a season. It’s definitely dependent on the intensity of the sport demands. I have primarily worked with volleyball, baseball, tennis, and cross-country teams, all of which are low to moderate risk sports. I would say that in total, I have seen about 7-8 major/season-ending injuries in my career as an athletic trainer.

 

What is the most common reaction you see from these seriously injured athletes immediately following the injury?

 

Immediately following an injury, the most common reaction is disbelief or shock, which can turn into sadness, fear, anger, depending on the athlete and circumstance.  

 

How would you assess these player’s mental health from a few days until a few weeks post-injury?

 

It is somewhat dependent on the personality of the individual and their circumstance. If it’s a freshman and this is their first major injury, they will behave a bit differently than an individual who has maybe dealt with a serious injury before, or if the injury requires surgery or if they’re a senior and their season has abruptly come to an end. They are typically quieter and not their normal selves. They may feel resigned to what is ahead, but also may not know precisely how everything will go, so they may be experiencing some underlying fear of the unknown. I have had athletes withdraw from me and seem to appear more depressed and I have had athletes remain closely the same, or who might even attach or cling on to me. I always make sure that I am checking in with them, letting them have space but also making them aware that if they need someone to talk to, I am always ready and available.

 

How would you assess these player’s mental health as time passes after a couple months?

 

Again, it’s always different with different athletes and circumstances. If the athlete has had surgery and they are going through post-surgical rehab, it is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions as they go through that process. Rehab can be tedious, boring, and although necessary, they may not be able to see that in the big picture. What they are seeing is a change in their body (weakness, loss of function or control), not being able to participate in the sport they love, feeling left out of team chemistry or events, a focus more on school, without being able to do any of the stress-relieving activities that they once before participated in. In some ways they may be feeling like they are having to start over again, regaining coaches respect that equates to playing time, re-learning simple movements like walking or running, re-building muscle that was lost due to inactivity or surgery. If the injury is not something that is visible (ie a concussion), they may experience even more separation or feelings of isolation, especially since a concussion is a brain injury and has manifested in personality and mood changes and doesn’t always have a timetable for healing. All in all, an injured athlete has so many emotions swirling around day to day and it is very easy to get caught up in a negative thought process. Feelings of loneliness, bitterness, anger, frustration, depression, etc., are all a part of the process as they are grieving their circumstance and also attempting to move forward from it. External factors such as coaches, teammates, schooling/homework, rehab all play in to their emotional process and affects them as well.  

 

What is the biggest mental roadblock you see these athletes recover from their injury? 

 

I would say that the biggest mental roadblock that I have seen from athletes

recovering from an injury is not being able to do the things they once were

before their injury. No matter what the surgery or injury is, there is typically

a period of time where the individual can not participate in what they once

had been doing for years. If they did have surgery, they may have to

re-learn simple tasks related to life or their sport. This can be a super

frustrating process, as there is a disconnect between what they have

always known and what their new normal is. The athlete is being taken

out of an activity that they love and have an identity in, while simultaneously

having to go through rehab, which can be frustrating. There may be

setbacks associated as well, whether it be lingering pain or loss of range

of motion. Following surgery, their body will very likely not be what it was

prior to the injury or surgery. There is a misconception around surgery that

it will fix everything. While it may fix the issue, it also has lingering effects

if proper care isn’t taken following surgery. If they do not have surgery, then

the cause of their frustration is likely being away from their sport and teammates.

 

If you did give these athletes advice in terms of coping with their injuries, what advice did you give and how effective was it?

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Certain athletes will react in different ways to the feelings following a major injury. Part of what I love about being an athletic trainer is building relationships with all of my athletes and getting to know them. This helps so much when one of them goes through a substantial injury. Every athlete responds differently, and knowing what they need can really help. I always try to let them know that I am always there for them if they need to vent, cry, or have a pity party, but to not let that become a pattern. Part of my job is to help them focus on the bigger picture and to stay positive despite the dismal circumstances. That way they know that they can trust me when I tell them they will get through this process and be better for it. If an athlete is really struggling and I feel they would benefit from talking to a professional, I would mention that to them as well.  

 

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Top 3 Recovery Tips

 

1. Communicate With Those Around You

A part of what makes an injury worse is withdrawing from friends, teammates, coaches, family, etc. The athlete may already be feeling isolated by their injury but talking about what you’re feeling and going through can really be therapeutic and helpful. I would also recommend journaling, if you absolutely can’t or won’t talk about what’s going on with others.

2. Find Enjoyable Activities Outside of Sports

Focus on other hobbies or things that you enjoy doing that you can do. Whether it’s something school related (joining a club or becoming a tutor) or not (spending time with family, reading books, etc).

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3. Be Involved With Your Team

Still find a way to still be a vital member on your team. If you can attend practices still, be around your teammates as much as possible. Ask your coach to do the stat book or still participate in the pre-game rituals. Try to maintain a normal schedule. You may have more time to do other things if you aren’t attending every practice or traveling every week