Sports Psychiatry

A unique set of stressors

Athletes at different levels of competition face a unique set of stressors alongside the ones all of us meet in life. There are expectations to perform, and the particular difficulty of confronting a transition out of that role at a far younger age than most careers demand. That environment also shapes how they develop their sense of identity.

There can be real barriers to disclosing mental health concerns, and restrictions on mainstream medication treatments that are specific to athletes because of regulatory conditions. The role of an integrative psychiatrist is especially valuable in these cases.

Conditions seen more often in this population

• Traumatic brain injury

  Repeated head impact and its long tail of cognitive and mood effects.

• Addiction

  Often arising from self-medication for pain and for anxiety.

• Eating and body image

  Disorders shaped by weight class, aesthetics and performance pressure.

Part of the team

Working alongside others in an athlete's circle, such as nutritionists, naturopaths and sports psychologists, a sports psychiatrist educated in this field is increasingly part of the team.

Dr. S' background allows him to discuss and recommend treatments suited to this population, including CBD in place of opioids for pain, and other medications and supplements appropriate to their overall mental health.

He has a particular interest in working with athletes, and in giving them a platform to share their stories, which helps reduce the stigma around mental health more broadly. He is a member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry, and an avid supporter of all Toronto based teams, with the addition of being a lifetime fan of the Dallas Cowboys, which hopefully will not be held against him.