More Than Just a Broken Bone: The Mental Side of Injuries
By: Joey Hewitt
Getting injured sucks. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a torn ACL, or something in between, being sidelined can feel like the end of the world—especially when sports are a huge part of your life. Some of the hardest moments of my basketball career were the injuries I suffered along the way. But here’s something not everyone talks about: the mental side of it. Studies show that athletes who get injured often struggle with things like anxiety, frustration, and even depression. It’s not just about missing games—it’s about missing your routine, your teammates, your identity. And for young athletes, that hit can feel even harder. So how do you deal with it? Let’s talk about what’s going on in your head—and how to come back stronger, not just physically, but mentally too.
Why Mindset Matters: The Science Behind the Mental Game
Here’s something wild but true: athletes who come back from injury with anxiety, fear, or low confidence are more likely to get injured again.
Why? Because when your brain doesn’t feel ready, your body listens. You might hesitate, move awkwardly, or play more cautiously—without even realizing it. That messes with your timing, increases your stress, and ups the chance of re-injury.
Researchers in sports psychology have found that mental recovery is just as important as physical therapy. If your mind is still stuck in fear mode, your body won’t perform at 100%, even if you're cleared to play.
So how do you rebuild confidence, stay focused, and protect your comeback? That’s where mental training comes in.
Training Your Mind: 3 Tools to Help You Heal and Come Back Stronger
Just like lifting weights or doing rehab exercises, your brain needs workouts too. These three tools—used by tons of pro and college athletes—can help you stay mentally sharp and emotionally strong while you're recovering.
1. Visualization
Even if your leg’s in a brace, your brain can still run the game. Visualization is about mentally rehearsing your moves. Close your eyes and imagine yourself doing your sport, step by step—feel the movements, hear the sounds, picture the crowd.
This helps your brain stay connected to your skills. Studies show it boosts confidence, sharpens muscle memory, and reduces fear when you’re ready to play again.
Try it for 5–10 minutes a day. It works.
2. Journaling
Injuries stir up all kinds of emotions—frustration, boredom, sadness, anger. Journaling gives you a way to release all that and make sense of what you’re going through.
You can write about your day, how your body feels, what you're grateful for, what you're missing, or what you're looking forward to. Over time, you’ll start to notice progress—not just in your body, but in your mindset.
Your journal becomes your own personal playbook for resilience.
3. Finding Joy Outside of Sports
When you're sidelined, it can feel like you've lost a piece of your identity. But this is also a chance to explore other things that make you you.
Try a new hobby, reconnect with friends, play video games, draw, bake, help your teammates, or just chill. These moments of joy and balance help lower stress and keep your mood up—both of which are key to healing.
And when you do get back, you’ll come in with more energy, more perspective, and more appreciation.
Final Thoughts: Your Comeback Starts Now
You’re not just an athlete—you’re a human being with drive, grit, and heart. Injury might feel like a setback, but it can also be a setup for one of the strongest comebacks of your life.
So train your mind like you train your body. Use visualization to stay connected. Journal your emotions and goals. Find joy in the things that make life full—even outside the game.
This chapter is part of your story. And it might just be the one that makes you unstoppable.
