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| Image credit: cbc.ca |
Treatments for depression vary, depending on the psychologist and the personality of the patient. Some psychotherapists even adapt techniques from other fields of study to create an effective treatment for depression. Such is the case with Dr. Alastair Dobbin, who utilizes sports psychology to treat anxiety and depression.
According to Dr. Dobbin, the psychology behind training athletes mainly mirrors the battle against depression in the sense that sportsmen are taught to develop resilience—to come out strong even after a difficult fight.
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| Image credit: sportscene.tv |
“It’s about being able to bounce back [after] a bad performance,” he says.
Dr. Dobbin, along with public health specialist Sheila Ross, developed a self-help program that zeroes in on the potency of the confidence-building techniques used by Olympic athletes. By studying these methods, they came up with CDs that help patients become mentally tough.
Psychological characteristics that are usually exhibited by psychologically strong athletes include:
• A strong confidence in their ability to perform well
• Motivates one’s self to become successful
• Has the ability to focus one’s thoughts and feelings unfailingly
• Remains calm even under pressure
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| Image credit: optimumtennis.net |
With help from psychologists, people fighting depression can develop these characteristics, strengthening their minds and preparing them for a brighter future.
Learn more about psychology by visiting this website.
