Behind the spotlight and multi-million dollar endorsements, there is a quieter side of the NBA. This can sometimes involve the personal struggles that players may face on (and off) the court. Dutch sports psychologist and journalist Nora Elisabeth Van den Heuvel delves into this rarely seen world to provide us with a glimpse of what talented athletes face on a regular basis.
The Unspoken Undercurrents of Professional Basketball
When we think of the modern NBA, seemingly superhuman talent often comes to mind. Pinnacles of on-court prowess such as LeBron James, Tyrese Haliburton, Kevin Durant, and Cade Cunningham are all prime examples. However, the high-stakes nature of the game often signifies that these very same individuals are forced to grapple with a massive amount of pressure. We are not only referring to responsibilities to their teammates, but also to how they never wish to disappoint die-hard fans. When we then throw contracts often worth well over seven figures into the mix, it becomes clear to appreciate why the NBA can represent a veritable “pressure cooker”.
Nothing New to the Sport
Thanks to her background (particularly in sports psychology), Nora Elisabeth Van den Heuvel is well aware that on-court anxiety is nothing new. She states that:
“Even the best in the business are not immune to feelings of stress and anxiety. While these are sometimes referred to as ‘pre-game jitters’, the fact of the matter is that such emotions can have detrimental long-term impacts.”
She goes on to point out that some of the most well-known players in the NBA have likewise publicly discussed these emotions on occasion. Surprising examples include DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Love, and Tyrell Terry.
Doing Away with Traditional Viewpoints
The problem here is that some players (and coaches) still feel that expressing feelings of anxiety somehow equates to a type of “weakness”; a sign that cracks in the armor may be appearing. This makes it less likely that players will admit that a problem exists. Even if they do, Ms. Van den Huevel claims that they are also much less likely to seek professional support. So, the cycle continues, and as she rightfully observes:
“What might appear to be a small issue at first glance can quickly snowball into a real mental health problem. Finding solutions will also become more challenging if symptoms are allowed to progress.”
She emphasizes that mental health isn’t a sign of weakness, but an essential component of athletic performance. “Acknowledging anxiety or stress is the first step toward addressing it. Unfortunately, the culture around sports often discourages vulnerability.”
Hidden Challenges: Behind the On-Court Glory
Nora highlights that NBA players confront a unique set of challenges beyond the regular expectations of normal athletes.
“For starters, the relentless travel schedule can be exhausting. Players often struggle with sleep disturbances and fatigue, which spiral into mental health issues.”
When combined with other potential hazards such as poor diet, and the risk of injury due to a lack of recovery time, even the strongest of mindsets can eventually begin to falter.
She goes on to discuss the role that social media now plays. “A Tweet can cause significant emotional harm. Derogatory posts on sites such as Facebook may noticeably impact the emotional state of some players. Let’s also not fail to mention that players often suffer from a lack of privacy, leading to family issues that cannot be easily resolved.”
Nora is hardly speculating. Thanks to her extensive background in research and sports psychology, she is well aware of the challenges that players must face on a seemingly daily basis. The issue is that they have few places to turn if they begin to realize that help is required.
The Future of Mental Health in the NBA
We were curious to learn about what Ms. Van den Heuver believes might be in store for the future of professional basketball in relation to mental health. She provided some rather interesting insights:
“I think that this first step involves accepting the fact that NBA players aren’t machines. Even legends such as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen weren’t immune to mental issues throughout their careers. Coaches, managers, and trainers must make it known that help is always available when required.”
She goes on to highlight that fans should set more realistic expectations of their idols, and that even the best are not perfect (regardless of how they might be portrayed in the media).
“If the NBA can take a more holistic approach to mental health, there is little doubt that the players will benefit as a direct result”, she stresses.
However, the only issue here is that (similar to other professional sports), the NBA is a money-making machine. Sponsors never want to hear that their flagship player has suffered a mental breakdown, or that his head is no longer in the game. Should mental health be taken as seriously as the physical condition of an individual, a much-needed balance can be achieved.
Thankfully, she also firmly believes that times are changing. As the sports community becomes more cognizant of the role that mental health plays, issues such as pressure and anxiety can be mitigated before they exert long-term detrimental effects.
