In recent years, the sports world has increasingly recognized the importance of mental health, but despite progress, the stigma surrounding psychological struggles remains prevalent—particularly among athletes. Veteran coach and former national team assistant Herry Santoso, commonly known as Coach Herry, has joined the growing number of voices urging for more proactive engagement from coaches when it comes to the mental well-being of their players.
“Mental health is not just a side issue anymore—it’s central to performance, career longevity, and even the lives of our players,” said Herry during a recent seminar on athlete development and wellness. His statement comes at a time when professional sports are grappling with the mental toll of pressure, competition, injuries, and social media scrutiny.
This article explores Coach Herry’s insights, the responsibilities of coaching staff, signs to look out for, how to create a supportive environment, and examples of how proactive mental health intervention can transform both individuals and teams.
The Hidden Battle Behind the Game
Athletes are often celebrated for their physical prowess, mental resilience, and seemingly unshakable confidence. However, beneath the surface, many endure intense mental and emotional challenges. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and self-doubt are far more common than often acknowledged.
Herry, who has worked with youth and professional players alike, emphasized that many athletes feel isolated when facing mental challenges. “There’s a fear of appearing weak, of being benched, or of losing favor with the club. So they bottle it up. That’s dangerous,” he warned.
Even in elite sports, where players have access to physical therapists, nutritionists, and high-performance analysts, mental health support often remains underdeveloped. Many clubs still lack dedicated sports psychologists or mental wellness programs. This is where coaches can play a critical role.
The Coach as the First Line of Support
According to Coach Herry, coaches are often the first to notice when something is off. “You don’t need to be a psychologist to realize that a player is not themselves. Changes in behavior, motivation, body language—they’re all signals.”
He encourages coaches to develop “emotional intelligence,” the ability to sense, interpret, and respond to emotional cues from players. For example, a normally outgoing player who suddenly withdraws from social interaction, or a hard-working athlete who starts skipping practice, may be struggling.
Herry also underlined the importance of listening. “Sometimes, just being there, just asking ‘Are you okay?’ without judgment can open a door. Players need to feel that someone genuinely cares.”
Common Signs Coaches Should Watch For
Understanding the warning signs of mental health struggles is essential. Coach Herry and mental health professionals recommend coaches watch for the following:
- Changes in Performance
Sudden drops in performance or consistency can indicate something deeper than just a slump. - Withdrawal
Players avoiding team interactions, skipping team meals, or isolating themselves during travel or training may be dealing with internal issues. - Increased Irritability or Emotional Outbursts
Frustration, anger, or uncharacteristic mood swings are potential red flags. - Lack of Motivation
A visible decrease in enthusiasm, effort, or focus, especially in players previously known for drive and discipline. - Neglecting Personal Appearance or Hygiene
In some cases, neglecting personal care can signal depression or anxiety. - Risky Behaviors or Substance Use
Unusual risk-taking, partying, or substance abuse might be attempts to cope with emotional distress.
Recognizing these signs doesn’t mean coaches should diagnose players, but rather that they should facilitate a pathway to professional help.
Building a Culture of Trust and Openness
One of the challenges in addressing mental health is the existing sports culture that equates mental toughness with silence. Coach Herry believes that has to change, starting with leadership.
“As coaches, we set the tone. If we never talk about mental health, players will think it’s taboo. If we talk about it openly, players will know it’s okay to speak up,” he said.
To shift the culture, Herry recommends:
- Including Mental Health in Regular Team Discussions
Integrating topics like stress management, resilience, and self-care into regular team meetings helps normalize these conversations. - Sharing Personal Experiences
Coaches who share their own past struggles can humanize the experience and make it easier for players to open up. - Appointing a Mental Health Liaison
Even if clubs don’t have a psychologist on staff, assigning a coach or staff member to serve as a safe contact point can make a difference. - Rewarding Vulnerability, Not Punishing It
When players speak up about their struggles, they should be met with empathy—not judgment or exclusion.
How Proactive Support Improves Performance
One of the biggest misconceptions in sport is that addressing mental health issues will somehow weaken a team. In fact, research and real-world examples suggest the opposite.
A 2022 study by the Global Sports Psychology Association found that teams that incorporated mental health training and support systems into their programs saw a 16% increase in overall team cohesion and a 9% improvement in performance metrics over a 12-month period.
Herry recounted the story of a young midfielder who was on the brink of quitting football altogether. “He had the talent but carried a heavy emotional burden due to family pressure and academic challenges. Once we acknowledged that and got him the support he needed, his game transformed. He became one of our most dependable players.”
The key takeaway is simple: mentally healthy players perform better, recover faster, and stay longer in the sport.
Addressing Stigma in Male-Dominated Sports
Football, like many competitive sports, has long been male-dominated, and with that comes an entrenched belief system that equates vulnerability with weakness. Coach Herry sees this as a major hurdle.
“Young boys are often taught to tough it out, to not cry, to fight through pain. That can be dangerous when translated into silence around mental health,” he warned.
Herry advocates for breaking this stereotype, especially in locker rooms where “macho” culture can discourage emotional honesty. “We need to redefine what strength means. True strength is asking for help when you need it,” he said.
Integrating Mental Wellness into Training Programs
To create long-term change, mental health cannot be treated as an afterthought. It needs to be woven into the very fabric of training and development. Here are some ways to integrate it:
-
Regular Mental Health Screenings
Just as players undergo physical assessments, they should periodically be evaluated for emotional well-being.
-
Workshops and Guest Speakers
Bringing in mental health professionals, former athletes who’ve struggled, or psychologists to talk openly can educate and destigmatize.
-
Mindfulness and Recovery Routines
Encourage practices like meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises as part of daily routines.
-
Mental Health Days
Allow players to take time off when overwhelmed—just as they would with a physical injury.
The Role of Parents Agents and Clubs
While coaches are crucial, they are only one part of the ecosystem. Herry insists that mental health advocacy must extend to agents, parents, and club administrators.
“Parents put pressure on their kids, sometimes unknowingly. Agents focus on contracts and bonuses. Clubs prioritize trophies. Somewhere in that chaos, the human being gets forgotten,” he lamented.
He urges clubs to prioritize funding for mental health professionals and agents to view their clients as holistic individuals, not just marketable assets.
Also Read:
