TAKING time off for your mental health is imperative, as experts say there are lessons we can all learn from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.
The 24-year-old shocked fans when she chose to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics final to focus on her mental wellbeing – and not defend her Olympic title.
Simone Biles shocked fans when she decided to pull out of the gymnastics final in TokyoCredit: Getty
Her decision showed mental health issues really can affect anyone – no matter how successful you are.
During a press conference on Tuesday night she explained that she had been suffering from “twisties”.
This is a condition that can be terrifying for gymnasts as it is a mental block which forces them to lose spacial awareness.
She said that because of this “you have no control of what your body actually does”.
Simone added: “I have to focus on my mental health. I just think mental health is more prevalent in sports right now.
“We have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out and do what the world wants us to do.
“I don’t trust myself as much anymore. Maybe it’s getting older.”
By choosing to preserve her mental health by withdrawing from the games, she also made sure she would not get injured.
Pulling out of the Olympics is a huge move for any athlete – and experts have revealed why we can all learn something from Biles’s decision to preserve her mental health, rather than keep competing.
1. Know your blindspot
Ex Special Services soldier, Joe Bates said one thing we can all learn is that you shouldn’t ignore that niggling feeling.
Joe is the co-founder of Halen – a mental health optimisation app which allows video calls with a matched mental health professional or life coach.
He explained: “It’s easy to ignore a weakness, a ‘niggle’ or a negative thought – but unless they are addressed, they will reoccur.
“Proactively look out for your trigger points – if a certain situation makes you panic or feel uncomfortable, take some time to examine why this is happening.
“Once you are aware of the triggers, you can employ the right practices to address them.”
2. You can be successful and struggle with your mental health
The idea that you will always be happy if you’re successful is a nice one to have – but that’s just not the case, mental health practitioner Shainna Ali said.
Biles has previously taken a stance against the stigma that surrounds mental health.
She previously said that having ADHD and taking medication for it was “nothing to be ashamed of”.
Writing in Psychology Today Shainna said: “In addition to her confirmed diagnosis, Biles’ past, which involved enduring the foster care system and bullying, have served as additional stressors for her well-being. Yet despite this, Biles has become a world-famous athlete.
“Biles dispels the stereotypical views of what it means to have a diagnosis and serves as an example that you can live with mental health problems and strive for your dreams.”
While you have to be physically fit to be a gymnast you also have to be mentally strong – Biles was worried she would get injured if she continuedCredit: Getty
3. Set your own boundaries
We are all human beings and knowing what your limit is can be key, explained Joe.
He said: “The ‘Just do it’ mantra of previous decades is outdated now in my opinion. Protect yourself and know when to walk away.
“Know what your body and mind need in order to recover, so that you can move forward with confidence and strength.
“This may mean taking a break from social media, distancing yourself from those who negatively impact you, and doing more of what you need in order to set a clearer path to success.”
4. Listen to your body
Joe added that we shouldn’t carry on regardless and that it takes time to build up mental resilence.
He said sticking a plaster on a cut will not address the root of the problem.
He explained that just like Biles, who listened to her body and knew it was dangerous for her to complete, you also need to take a minute and work out whether or not what you’re doing is going to make you feel better or worse.
If the decision is to cancel a meeting, take a day off or say no to something – then so be it.
“That actually shows great strength”, Joe added.
5. Mental illness doesn’t have to compete with physical illness
While many people have supported Biles’s decision, others have labelled her a quitter.
Piers Morgan said while he takes “mental health seriously” Simone could “re-engage and get back on her feet”.
In a tweet he said: “I take mental illness very seriously. What I don’t like is people cynically using ‘mental health’ as a protective shield against any poor performance or justified criticism. It distracts attention from those with mental illness who need help/care/treatment.”
But Shainna said this would have been different if she would have broken a bone.
She explained that while huge strides have been taken in terms of mental health awareness the persistent stigma makes it difficult for many people.
She added: “Stigma doesn’t only affect Biles, but thousands of others who struggle silently with concerns due to fear of speaking out, seeking help, and tarnishing their reputations.”
