M4 - SOS Therapies in Athletes’ Mental Wellness: Case Study of an Olympian Gymnast

This study introduces a M4 model of mental wellness —grounded in indigenous therapies and practices offering quick relief in transient mental health issues such as sleep deprivation, pre-competition worries, and overly emotional in elite athletes. The methods and therapies employed in this case study have empirical validation in other populations. The M4 model was developed to support an Olympian artistic gymnast to improve short term, acute sleep deprivation and worries prior to an international competition. These interventions were administered in two sessions of 45 minutes on the same day at a gap of four hours, due to limited time availability. An multimodal approach was adopted to manage sleep deprivation pre competition worries and stress. Its efficacy was evaluated qualitatively, through the coach’s and athlete’s self -reports indicating improvement in sleep quality, sleep duration, relaxation, and perceived performance during the practice session the following day. Further validation and cross cultural applications are suggested.