Charlotte Hornets forward Kai Jones talks about his struggles and coping mechanisms to deal with the stress of being a pro athlete.
In a recent tweet by NBA insider Tomer Azarly, Charlotte Hornets forward Kai Jones discussed the importance of therapy in his return to professional basketball. Azarly shared Jones’ quote:
I asked Kai Jones about the steps he took off the court to get himself right to play basketball again:
“I want to thank the NBPA. They stepped in and played a major role in my off-the-court development program where i was doing therapy 2 times a week to get me ready to get back… pic.twitter.com/s0USrAhn93
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 14, 2024
“I want to thank the NBPA. They stepped in and played a major role in my off-the-court development program where I was doing therapy two times a week to get me ready to get back into this professional environment so I can adjust in the right way… I hope I’m allowed to say that, but yeah, I plan to continue [doing therapy]. I think it’s great for my brain and development as a person and professional and just learning how to navigate this life.”
Kai Jones’ openness about his mental health journey and his positive experience with therapy is a significant development. It highlights the growing conversation around mental health in professional sports and the importance of seeking help when needed.
Kai Jones’ Challenges and Return
While the specifics of Kai Jones’ challenges haven’t been publicly disclosed, his comments suggest he dealt with mental health issues that impacted his ability to play basketball at the professional level. The NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) evidently recognized this and provided valuable support through their off-court development program, which included twice-weekly therapy sessions.
Kai Jones credits therapy with playing a major role in getting him “back into this professional environment.” Therapy can equip individuals with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. It can also help develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve communication skills. These tools can be invaluable for athletes facing the pressures of professional sports.
Athletes face a unique set of mental health challenges. The pressure to perform, the constant travel, and the intense scrutiny from media and fans can all take a toll on mental well-being. Therapy can be a valuable resource for athletes to navigate these challenges and maintain mental health.
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