Huseinbasic breaks off international game trip: mental problems in focus!

Huseinbasic breaks off international game trip: mental problems in focus!

DENIS HUSEINBASIC, the 23-year-old star of 1st FC Köln, has caused excitement in the past few days. The player broke off his international trip with the Bosnian national team prematurely and thus initiated concern about his mental constitution. According to information from WM qualification game against San Marino on June 7, where he stayed on the bench for 90 minutes. The reason for his departure was officially given as mental problems.

There was a lot of speculation about possible differences between Huseinbasic and the coach of the national team, Sergej Barbarz. However, his consultant, Mario Prskalo, made it clear that there was no argument and the decision to cancel the trip was spontaneous. "Denis is still available to the team and the coach," emphasized Prskalo. The Situation will also be highlighted in a press conference of Barbarz in Ljubljana next Monday.

mental pressure in professional sport

This situation throws a light on an often ignored topic in competitive sports: the mental health of athletes. In recent years, the discussion about it has gained driving because more and more athletes are talking openly about their challenges. According to Sportärzentzeitung , dealing with psychological problems in sport is still inadequate, although studies show that 13-20% of service athletes suffer from depression in the course of their lives could.

The problem is not only limited to Huseinbasic. The pressure that is on athletes can lead to a variety of mental problems. Stressors such as injuries, failures or the end of the career can significantly affect the identity and well -being of the athletes. The IOC Commission for Mental Health identified no less than 640 stressors who can endanger the well-being of athletes. All the more important is a comprehensive approach to supporting these athletes who go beyond physical health.

liability of the clubs and support

The 1. FC Köln is not alone with these challenges. The majority of the club's professionals currently enjoy the summer break, while some, like Huseinbasic, are still in use for their national teams. Players such as Learst Pacarada, Damion Downs and Isak Johannesson show pleasant performances on the international parquet, while Huseinbasics situation points to the need for better mental care in sport.

The first steps towards a change must now be taken quickly. More support for athletes is essential to ensure that they remain both physically and mentally healthy. Sports medicine is often accused of not acting sufficiently in terms of mental health, and that has to change as soon as possible.

So it remains to be hoped that athletes like Huseinbasic will receive the necessary support to master their challenges and come back all the more.