Protecting Your Mental Health When Facing Increased Responsibilities

Whether due to the financial constraints of a district, retirements of key individuals, or other possible reasons, it is not uncommon for additional responsibilities to be placed periodically upon an athletic administrator’s plate. Each new task brings with it more time that has to be expended, and an already hectic schedule becomes unmanageable. Understandably, an athletic director may feel a great deal of stress, anxiety and hopelessness. His or her mental health can be adversely affected.

In spite of the possible overload of responsibilities, Brian Mancuso, athletic director at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, Illinois, pointed out that, “Usually, athletic administrators think about and place the needs of their student-athletes and coaches above their own needs. While this is understandable, we will not be in a position to help others if we can’t operate in an effective manner ourselves. Therefore, we may have to occasionally step back a little.”

Mancuso shared a few things that help him to cope with added tasks and a hectic schedule. “I use post-it-notes and a very organized schedule, and I reward myself with a ‘water break’ when I finish an item.” In addition, Mancuso checks his email at the beginning and end of the day, and “I also try to avoid taking work home. The brief time at home is reserved for family and recovery.”

Jen Viana, the director of athletics at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, added to these thoughts. “I am trying to practice a little more self-care this year with regular exercise, massage and therapy. To accomplish this, I carve out time early in the morning to ensure that I am mentally prepared. And I’ll try to avoid scheduling meetings first thing in the morning or getting bogged down with email and text messages.”

“I no longer feel guilty by practicing self-care, although it was a difficult hurdle to overcome,” Viana admitted. “I feel stronger, healthier and more focused than I have in 20 years. This step is absolutely essential in order to do my best for student-athletes and coaches.”

As the director of athletics and supervisor of health and physical education for Monroe Township (New Jersey) High School, Sean Dowling knows all too well about stress and the multitude of tasks that he faces daily. Dowling suggests that athletic administrators, first and foremost, have each other.

“If you start to feel overwhelmed, pick up the phone and call a colleague,” Dowling said. “Ask how they are doing? Chances are they are experiencing the same feelings that you are, and a word of encouragement, assurances or clarification may be just the key to keep going.”

On a more practical level, Dowling strongly recommends getting out of the office for a lunch break – get away from your desk.

“A healthy diet goes a long way in helping us feel better, and it will give you more energy later in the day – perhaps when you need it. Take a ‘Gratitude Walk’ by going out and checking your fields and facilities. This also gives you time to reflect, and to ‘selftalk’ or give yourself a pep talk. You can also think through and prepare for a difficult conversation that you will have later with a misguided parent.”

Recognizing that an athletic administrator’s life is extremely hectic, Denise Kiernan, director of health, physical education and athletics at North Salem (New York) High School, finds that being creative to prioritize, plan and manage one’s schedule helps maintain a healthy environment.

“I try to personally connect with another athletic director or colleague every morning,” Kiernan said. “This helps me to keep things in perspective and to be able to prioritize. Also, I try to get around and see a few minutes of different team practices. This reminds me of why I do this job and what is really important.

“Ask questions if you are unsure of what your expectations are. Be sure that everything is clear, because some things are not overly important and take too much time. Also, be mindful that your decisions will have an effect – therefore, think through things carefully. Be yourself. You are human and you are going to occasionally make a mistake. Allow yourself to reflect, learn and grow from mistakes, and then try not to stress over them.”

“Even if you have a lot on your plate, don’t put off doing the hard things,” offered Paul Szymanski, athletic director at Watertown- Mayer (Minnesota) High School. “Ask for help from others if you need it, and delegate if you have that possibility. Delegation is a sign of wisdom and maturity.

“Look at tackling added tasks as being part of a larger team, and that you are doing your part for the benefit of the student-athletes. In the best schools and positions that I’ve been in, it was the result of quality coaches, assistants and colleagues all willing to do what was necessary to help with an increasing workload. You are not in this effort alone. You always need to remember why you are doing this job, and enjoy and appreciate it.”

Doug Marchetti, director of athletics at Norwalk (Connecticut) High School, said “You have to build a solid support system and create a ‘team’ such as site directors, timers, ticket sellers and others. This can help decrease the pressure that I might occasionally feel, and I have complete confidence that everything will be handled properly. What a relief!”

Marchetti noted that if you don’t have this support group already in place, reach out to some of your coaches, retired colleagues and teachers to start forming your own team. Marchetti said that, in addition to your support group at school, at home you have the roles of a spouse, father or mother, and perhaps others.

“A loving and supportive family can occasionally bear the brunt and burden of your long hours and stress that accompanies your position,” Marchetti said. “As difficult as it may be, you have to ‘turn-off all of the school stuff,’ and participate and enjoy time with your family.”

Marchetti noted that “it is critically important to also have a strong line of communication with your principal and central office administration. Let them know what is involved in your position, the time that is required, and how you benefit the lives of student-athletes.” He pointed out that quite often athletic directors successfully juggle several things at a time, and may make it look easy. “It should be OK occasionally to simply say, ‘I have too much on my plate right now.’ Sometimes the hardest word to say (politely) is ‘No.’”

In spite of all of the good, sound advice, Dowling also added. “I am often a victim of ‘I should practice what I preach’ when I spend 20 more minutes at the end of the day to finish a report or working on one final task. We have to constantly remind ourselves, and follow our own advice. This is easier said than done, but it is what has to be done to preserve our mental health.”

“If you are not taking care of yourself, then who will,?” Viana concluded. Isn’t it time that you take steps to protect and ensure that your mental health is secure?