Embracing Mental Health in Athletics: A Conversation with Natalie Graves

In this episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete,' host Amanda Smith interviews Natalie Graves, a mental health professional specializing in athlete mental health and performance. They discuss the importance of normalizing mental health coaching across all levels of athletics from youth sports to college teams. Natalie highlights her ideal scenarios for incorporating mental health awareness and support into sports organizations, emphasizing training for coaches, parents, and athletes themselves. The conversation also covers the challenges athletes face with chronic illnesses, both physical and mental, and the difference in response from coaches. They stress the importance of mental rehabilitation alongside physical recovery post-injury and the need for mental health professionals to be more integrated within athletic programs. Natalie shares insights from her own work and introduces her books designed to guide athletes in enhancing their mental wellness and toughness. The episode concludes with tips on creating a supportive athletic culture that recognizes and addresses mental health as part of overall athlete development.Here's where to find Natalie Graves:Website:  Natalie GravesFind the Athlete Prepbook here!Email: [email protected]: @nataliegravesathleticcounselorX/Twitter: @natalie_graves1--Watch Cosmic Body Shenanigans Podcast on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Amanda.G.SmithFacebook: Body Whisper HealingPinterest: AmandaGSmithBWH LinkedIn: Amanda (Ritchie) SmithTake the Cosmic Sensitive Quiz to find out what stresses you out most and why. It's fun, it's free, and it's only 7 easy questions. https://www.cosmicsensitivequiz.com/