THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN ATHLETES RECOVERING FROM INJURY: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Abstract

Athletes' mental health is more recognized and valued. Although the frequency of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues among athletes is comparable to the general population, injuries exacerbate these symptoms because players face unique environmental and societal demands. We also discuss lesser-known research indicating that athletes with mental health concerns are more likely to sustain an injury. We discuss both internal and external barriers to effective care, as well as the rising awareness of the absence of mental health help in sports, which was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and among well-known professional and Olympic athletes. For measuring the used SPSS software and generate result included descriptive statistic, the correlation also that ANOVA test analysis between them. Recovery from musculoskeletal injuries can be sped up by a known psychological reaction to injury; however, mental health disorders in athletes are not only associated with a higher risk of injury, but also predict worse outcomes later on, such as longer recovery periods, higher rates of injury recurrence, lower rates of return to sport, and poorer performance after returning to sport. Many efforts are presently underway around the country to create and execute projects related to athlete mental health screening, support networks, and targeted treatments to address athletes intricately connected physical and mental health. These initiatives are being done in response to intrinsic hurdles to delivering appropriate treatment for athletes, such as identification, stigma, and resource availability. Athletes' mental health is negatively impacted by athletes’ injury. Similar to how mental health may and does impact athletic performance, it is also intimately related to the risk of sports injury, creating a complex cycle that makes it hard to discern between mental and physical health.