WHEN THE GAME SLOWS DOWN…

BE READY TO CHANGE PACES

The situation is all too familiar for student athletes in Yellowstone County and beyond, check in for the game… go up for a layup…. Feel a pop and searing pain. While the student athlete’s season may be over the real danger may be lurking in the recovery.

According to the Athletic Training Association (NATA), 90% of student athletes report sustaining some sort of sports related injury. With an eye popping 54% reporting they play while injured. Sadly, for a host of reasons, sports related injuries are increasing leaving our youth at risk to exposure of Opioid based pain medication

HOW TO HELP:

Helping an injured athlete includes supporting the mind, body, and soul. Some suggestions include:

Seek professional medical evaluation and treatment for injury

Monitor medication and substance use

Communicate and discuss feelings such as abandonment, isolation, depression, and loss of identity

Provide alternative outlets and activities

Support proper rehabilitation efforts

Ensure pain free use of injury to avoid misuse of medication

SOCIAL SUPPORT:

An athletic injury frequently has profound negative consequences on the physical health of a college athlete and can also cause a great deal of psychological distress, evoking anger, depression, anxiety, tension, fear, and lower self-esteem. Mood disturbances are especially apparent among competitive athletes who are seriously injured. Such functional loss or the inability to continue team participation can be devastating and cause difficulties in coping with the injury cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally.

MEDICATION USE:

Always ensure that you consult a doctor prior to the use of medication, especially high powered Opioid based painkillers. The odds you’ll still be on opioids a year after starting a short course increase after only five days on opioids.

If an athlete, or anyone else in your home, is prescribed and needs medication ensure: