Sports psychiatry has been an emerging field in recent years and is increasingly being recognized as playing a pivotal role in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness in this particular population.
Athletes at different levels of competition may face a unique set of stressors alongside ones all of us generally may struggle with in life.
This often involves the expectations to perform in this setting or the unique issues present when confronting a transition out of this role at a relatively younger age in their life than most would in their careers. Additionally this environment may shape how they develop their sense of identity.
There also may exist challenges in terms of revealing their mental health issues for adequate diagnosis and restrictions to mainstream medication treatments which may be unique to them due to regulatory conditions.
The particular role of a integrative psychiatrist is invaluable in these cases.
There are also the added mental health conditions which they are more susceptible to such as traumatic brain injury, addiction due to self medication for pain and anxiety(opioids/alcohol) as well as eating and body image disorders.
Taking a holistic approach in concert with other professionals in an athlete’s circle such as nutritionists, naturopaths and sports psychologists, the role for a sports psychiatrist who is educated in this field is increasingly being incorporated.
Dr. S’ unique background provides options for this population in terms of being able to speak to and recommend treatments such as CBD instead of opioids for pain and other medications/supplements that are appropriate for their overall mental health.
Dr. S has a particular interest in working with athletes as well as providing a platform for them to share their stories to help decrease the stigma around mental health in general and to bring further attention to this considering their social role as athletes.
He is a member of International Society for Sports Psychiatry (ISSP) and avid supporter of all Toronto based teams with the addition of being lifetime fan of the Dallas Cowboys which hopefully will not be held against him!