Athlete Anecdote - Undereating

As a female tennis player who suffered from body dysmorphia, I used to intentionally under-eat after intense training sessions, punishing myself for not trying hard enough. At first, the signs were subtle: constant fatigue, irritability, irregular periods, and a noticeable decline in performance. I ignored them, focusing on achieving peak performance. However, I developed shin pain over time, which persisted for weeks. Having to take time off from tennis, I began seeking a doctor.

At the doctor’s appointment, I found out I was underweight and suffering from malnutrition. He referred me to a therapist who diagnosed me with anxiety. I began seeking talk therapy and taking beta blockers. Following the therapist’s advice, I ate more nutrient-dense meals such as fish, avocados, whole grains, and proteins. Whenever I feel anxious, I use different ways to cope, such as meditation and journaling. It wasn’t easy, but I trusted my progress and started small. Eventually, I was able to play tennis again. Although my performance deteriorated, I’m on a journey to learn how to love and be patient with myself. I realized mental health can manifest in different ways. If left untreated, it can slowly turn physical, which affects daily activities.  

This experience taught me the consequences of neglecting my physical and mental health. Initially, I ignored my mental health, which turned into something physical, such as under-eating. Addressing it early is vital since the recovery journey would be smoother. Although resilience is essential to achieving peak performance, it is also important to incorporate sustainable training methods. One of the components is to look after your body. 

Although I still play tennis today, I also swim leisurely. I found the training routine less rigorous, but swimming taught me that I need good physical and mental health to achieve peak performance. I need to gain the right amount of nutrients to gain energy for physical health. If my body is in good condition, my mental health will improve. Therefore, mental and physical health are interconnected.