If exercise is so good for you, why do athletes get depressed?

This is one of the most common questions I'm asked and who better to answer than Jessie Barr, accredited sport and exercise psychologist. She's also an Olympian who represented Ireland in London 2012. Jessie explains why athletes can be susceptible to mental difficulties, her own experiences as an athlete and later as a sport psychologist. She also debunks many of the myths attached to the science of sport psychology, including the aura of 'guru' associated with it by some. As she says herself, you wouldn't judge the ability of a surgeon based on the amount of surgeries he/she has had done to them, why would you expect former athletes to be able to deal with the mind, without the relevant qualifications?!

Om Podcasten

Join Máire Treasa as she chats with guests to help you understand sport psychology. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, a parent, or someone who wants to learn a bit more, this podcast is for you. Discover practical tips and ways to help improve your performance, motivate yourself and others, or even just little bits of info to impress your friends. All the conversations will be with sport psychologists, scientists, athletes, coaches and anyone that we can learn something from. No bluff, no guff, no gurus or charlatans allowed!