DEVELOPED BY
PRESENTED BY
POWERED BY
ANXIETY
UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
​
PCOM Downloadable Player's Toolkit Includes:
-
Your are not alone anxiety can be managed.
-
Symptoms
-
Determine if you have anxiety
-
Coping Strategies
-
Resources
​
We hope you find this toolkit helpful in understanding and managing these mental health issues that could affect you as a soccer player.
​
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problem or disease; anyone seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed professional.
02
Anxiety
Understanding Anxiety: A Soccer Player's Guide
Hey there, young soccer stars! The team at PCOM is here to help you. We would like to explain something important to you: anxiety. I know, it might sound like a big word, but let’s break it down with a soccer analogy.
​
Imagine this:
​
You’re in the final minutes of a tie-game. The ball rolls to your feet, and the entire field seems to open up in front of you. You have a clear shot to score the winning goal. As you prepare to take the shot, a rush of thoughts floods your mind:
-
“What if I miss?”
-
“What will my teammates think?”
-
“I can't let everyone down.”
-
“I've never been in this position before.”
​
Your heart races, your palms get sweaty, and suddenly, the ball feels like a ton of bricks. You hesitate for a split second, and an opponent steals the ball away.
​
That rush of overwhelming thoughts and physical sensations? That’s anxiety.
​
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
​
Anxiety is a natural emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It's like our body's alarm system, alerting us to potential dangers or challenges. In prehistoric times, this “fight or flight” response helped humans react quickly to threats like predators. Today, our "predators" might be things like a big test, speaking in front of a crowd, or taking a penalty shot in soccer.
​
How Can Anxiety Impact Me as a Soccer Player?
​
-
Performance Pressure: Just like the scenario above, anxiety can make you second-guess your abilities, causing hesitation and sometimes mistakes.
-
Physical Effects: Anxiety can cause rapid breathing, a racing heart, or trembling hands – not ideal for precise footwork or a powerful shot on goal.
-
Mental Fatigue: Constantly worrying can be mentally exhausting, making it hard to focus on the game.
​
How Can Anxiety Impact Me as a Young Person?
​
-
Avoidance: You might start avoiding situations that make you anxious, like trying out for the team or attending social events.
-
Struggling in School: Anxiety can make it hard to concentrate, leading to challenges in the classroom.
-
Feeling Isolated: When anxious, you might feel like no one understands you, leading to feelings of loneliness.
​
THE GOOD NEWS!
​
Anxiety is manageable. Just as you train to improve your soccer skills, you can also develop strategies to handle anxiety. Talking about it, breathing exercises, visualization, and even understanding that it’s a normal feeling can help. Remember, even the world's top soccer players experience anxiety – what sets them apart is how they've learned to cope with it.
Always remember, you're not alone. Your teammates, coaches, and loved ones are there to support you. Together, you can face and overcome any challenge, on or off the pitch.
​
Keep playing, keep learning, and always aim for your best!
​
OUR PARTNERS
