MIND THE MELTDOWN

Conscious of the mental health jeopardy that may arise from lockdown confinement, sports psychologist Dr Josephine Perry offers some cost-free practical advice

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The race calendar has been halted and we have no idea when it will resume. To keep ourselves and others safe, most of us are holed up indoors; the rest are on the frontline working harder than ever to keep the country running. These are unusual times for cyclists and coaches working in an insecure and unprecedented landscape. To come out the other side with our wellbeing intact, we need to look after our mental as well as our physical health.

We spoke to Dr Tim Rogers, a medical doctor and consultant sports psychiatrist, who identified three significant issues arising from the crisis for cyclists: 1. the sudden loss of goals; 2. the non-stop media (including social media) coverage creating worry and anxiety; and 3. the loss or undermining of sense of identity as a cyclist.

“Although social distancing prevents infections, social isolation can significantly increase the risk of other health problems, both physical and mental,” said Rogers. “Worry and anxiety become unhealthy and draining when ‘what if’ thoughts multiply and fill our thinking space with scary things all day.”

Race cancellations are not the only source of worry; few businesses and sectors are untouched by the economic impact and livelihood concerns.

“Many of my athletes have had to lay off staff or have lost their own jobs or are already in lockdown,” said cycling coach James Spragg. “Races being cancelled has become a minor issue by comparison.”

Under ordinarily difficult circumstances, riding is often our go-to coping mechanism. We use our bikes to maintain good mental health; we know that cycling helps to reduce depression, stress and anxiety. If stress is increased and our main way of coping is removed, it’s a double whammy and our mental health is put at risk.