Pratish Thakkar

Beyond the Game:

Health EN ↓ 4 episodes

A Sports Psychiatrist's Guide to Mental Health issues in sport. we explore the powerful connection between mental health and athletic success. Whether you're an athlete striving for greatness, a coach building resilient teams, or simply curious about the psychology of sport, this podcast offers insightful conversations, practical strategies, and evidence-based approaches to optimize performance, manage pressure, and cultivate mental well-being in sports and life. For athletes, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in the human mind.

Author

Pratish Thakkar

Episodes

Resilience in Sport: Performing Through Pain" 07.08.2025 4:52

Elite athletes perform exceptionally despite severe pain or illness, leveraging psychological (mental toughness, self-efficacy, cognitive reappraisal, mindfulness)1 and neurobiological (endogenous opioids, altered pain processing, placebo effect) mechanisms. This often involves overriding natural protective responses, creating an ethical paradox for sports psychiatry. Comprehensive support and pai...

Smashing Stigma: How Cricketers Are Redefining "Mental Toughness" 14.07.2025 8:21

Elite cricketers battle significant mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Once hidden by stigma, stars like Ben Stokes, Jonathan Trott, and Sarah Taylor courageously spoke out. This pivotal shift normalizes help-seeking, reducing stigma. Unaddressed issues impact performance and careers, making proactive, comprehensive mental health support crucial for their well-being and longevity

The Unseen Innings: Cricket and Mental health 10.07.2025 6:50

Cricketers face significant mental health challenges like anxiety/depression, due to intense pressure, isolation, and media scrutiny... . A "macho image" and stigma deter help, yet high-profile disclosures aid destigmatization Unaddressed issues harm performance and careers16 . Support exists, but requires a proactive, holistic shift

mental health challenges in retired athletes 08.07.2025 6:28

Welcome to "Beyond the Game," the podcast exploring life beyond the arena. I'm Dr. Thakkar, and today, we're addressing a crucial, often hidden, topic: mental health issues among retired athletes1 . For many elite competitors, the transition post-sport is incredibly challenging, with 15-25% experiencing symptoms like anxiety or depression 23 . We'll discuss how factors like the transition itself ,...