‘Nothing compares to what I experienced at the Olympic Games’: Doctor reflects on her work at the Olympic village’s mental health zone

Twenty-four hours after her return to Quebec on Monday afternoon, Dr. Mélissa Généreux was still buzzing with adrenalin. “To date, this has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I’ve lived through five truly extraordinary days,” she said in an interview with ProfessionSanté.ca. “Being part of this adventure was intoxicating. There was so much positive energy. Everyone was living their best life in the Olympic Village,” recounted the doctor who, as a volunteer, was assigned to the “Mind Zone” made available to athletes and their entourage.The zone—the first of its kind to be set up in an Olympic Village—is made up of several relaxation areas, complete with subdued blue lighting, soft music and essential oil diffusers. Away from the bustle and excitement of Paris, athletes are invited to relax with a variety of activities, including mandalas, paint-by-numbers, yoga, meditation and virtual reality headsets for practicing mindfulness. “We also encouraged people to practice gratitude by writing a postcard to thank their loved ones for their support,” said Dr. Généreux, pointing out that the exercise of gratitude helps “to put ourselves in a positive frame of mind, to be appreciative. It has a positive effect on well-being.”Initially, the public health physician imagined that she would be helping athletes, having caring discussions with them, talking about their stress and possibly giving them advice. Once briefed by the organization, the doctor from the Estrie region of Quebec had to adjust. “We were instructed not to give them any advice so as not to interfere with each team’s own psychological approach. At the same time, if we detected that someone wasn’t doing well, we could direct them to the right resources,” she explained, pointing out that the wellness zone isn't necessarily intended for athletes who are feeling unwell. “Some were a little stressed, others were disappointed with their performance, but there were also plenty who just came in to refocus and calm down.”Read: Calgary Stampede rodeo medical clinic treats a parade of aches and painsThe role of Dr. Généreux and the other healthcare professionals on site was to welcome athletes to the “Mind Zone” and guide them towards the various activities on offer, explaining their mental health benefits. “For example, in front of a mandala, you can clear your mind and think of nothing other than producing something without having to worry about performance. There’s a meaning behind it,” assured the clinician, who remembers a rather skeptical athlete. “At first, he looked at me strangely. I invited him to follow me, saying ‘concentrate on your breathing and choice of colors for five to 10 minutes.’ When I came back to see him, he wanted to continue and afterwards, he admitted to me that he was more relaxed.”A model worth copyingDr. Généreux is convinced that the concept of the “Mind Zone” in the Olympic Village deserves to be reproduced in Quebec, whether in the workplace or at university. “We all have crazy lives. If top athletes are able to recognize that they need to take a break, we should all have this right so that we can relax.” She underlined that stress is a major social and public health issue, particularly among young people. “Data show that diagnoses of mental disorders, symptoms of psychological distress and consumption of antidepressants are constantly on the rise.”Faced with problems of accessibility to both primary care and mental health resources, these wellness zones could “give people tools to help clear their brains and manage their stress. It’s not going to take away all the ills of the world,” said Dr. Généreux. “But they’re not expensive infrastructures. A mandala costs nothing. Even if it has a small impact, it can contribute to mental well-being.”She herself admits that the Olympic “Mind Zone” helped her get through her week in Paris. “I wasn’t stressed, but I was full of adrenaline and emotionally overloaded, because I was exhilarated by everything I was experiencing. As soon as I got there, it calmed me down and gave me energy.”This article was first published on our sister site Profession Santé. It was translated from its original French.Read: Celine Dion goes public with her private health struggles: What we’ve learned so far

‘Nothing compares to what I experienced at the Olympic Games’: Doctor reflects on her work at the Olympic village’s mental health zone

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