Approximately 35% of athletes experience significant mental health challenges—such as anxiety and depression—after major competitions like the Olympics. Some national programs now offer structured “performance decompression,” including hot debriefs and transitional support, to help athletes reset mentally and reintegrate into everyday life.
Hot Debriefs
- Definition: A “hot debrief” is a short, structured conversation that happens immediately or shortly after a critical event or performance.
- Purpose:
- Capture raw emotions and observations while they’re still fresh.
- Address immediate concerns or confusion.
- Start early emotional processing.
- Identify immediate lessons learned.
Transitional Support
- Definition: Help provided to individuals or teams as they move from a high-intensity performance setting back to a lower-intensity, more routine environment — or to the next challenge.
- Purpose:
- Prevent emotional whiplash or delayed stress responses.
- Reinforce recovery and psychological safety.
- Ensure continuity of care for mental wellbeing.
- Forms of Support:
- Peer check-ins or supervisor follow-ups.
- Access to mental health professionals.
- Scheduled downtime or lighter workloads.
- Sleep/rest protocols.
- Formal psychological decompression or defusing sessions.
https://www.ft.com/content/c6d04d91-917c-4693-a9f0-49134b9cc790?utm_
Therapist Reflections: After we perform, and those we love perform, we must remember that there is a need for aftercare and support. Be that person not only for yourself, but for your kids and the people you care about. Seek professional support if needed. There is no shame in being able to structure a healthy love for sports and being an athlete. Burnout will rob us of passion, while support will nurture us and allow us to achieve even more.
