Expert POV: Danger Ahead for Pro Athletes?

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - April 13, 2020 - PRLog -- The Tokyo Olympics have been delayed a year; the NBA, MLB, NHL, ATP, PGA, and NASCAR seasons are all on hold. Professional and elite athletes that typically spend their days physically and mentally preparing for practice and competition are now left without a focus event or short-term goal.

Athletes of all levels are at risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Those now having their lives put on hold are especially at risk of alcohol or drug addiction, depression, anger, and more.

Teams and sports organizations are doing the best they can to help – for example, last week's announcement by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee launching an external Mental Health Taskforce to support Team USA athletes address mental health concerns and promote sustained and holistic well-being throughout their complete athlete journey. It may not be enough.

Tanya Young Williams, Co-Owner and CEO of Pivot Treatment and Wellness Center (www.pivotcenters.com) in South Florida, and former wife of basketball star Jayson Williams, who had his own highly publicized challenges with substance abuse, shares her perspective on why professional and elite athletes are at serious risk of addiction and more during this time.

"There have been numerous professional athletes that have battled substance use disorders," said Young Williams. "Drugs and alcohol have ended athletic careers and lives and they continue to do so today. I am concerned with the stay-at-home order and the subsequent feelings of 'lack of purpose' at this time, many are at risk of falling into bad habits."

Tanya is available for interviews on why professional and elite athletes are at risk during the current COVID-19 crisis and to offer tips on avoiding substance abuse issues during this challenging time. Learn more at www.pivotcenters.com.