In this episode of Athlete Wellness, Sarah Meister sits down with Alessandra “Sasa” DiPace, a newly joined therapist at Millennium Counseling Center. Together, they explore the importance of mental health breaks in sports—whether it’s a pause from training, a leave of absence, or simply taking a day to reset.

Sasa shares her personal experience with burnout at the end of her athletic career, and the two dive into the challenges athletes face when considering stepping back. From fears of being perceived as weak or a failure, to the reality of over-identifying with sport, the conversation highlights why breaks are not a mistake but a vital step toward healing and rediscovering joy.

They also discuss examples like Simone Biles and British cyclist Leo Hayter, showing how professional athletes have modeled what it means to pause and return stronger—not just as athletes, but as whole people.

• Recognizing signs of burnout and loss of alignment in sport

• Why taking a break is never a mistake

• The stigma and fears athletes face when stepping away

• Moving from reactive to proactive mental health care

• Real stories of athletes who benefited from a mental health pause

Related episodes: Inspiration on the Field: Favorite Athletes and Their Lasting Impact | Bridging Athletics and Mental Health with Derick Boyd, PhD

Millennium Athlete Wellness provides a holistic approach to mental health and performance enhancement for athletes. Our team comprises sports psychology experts and clinical mental health professionals dedicated to helping athletes at all levels achieve peak performance and overall wellness. Each athlete we work with is connected to a licensed counselor, many of whom have personal experience as Division 1 athletes. This unique insight ensures a deep understanding of athletes’ challenges, both on and off the field. Our mission is to support athletes’ mental well-being and performance through expert guidance and empathetic care.

Millennium Athlete Wellness: Website
Lyda Robinson: Millennium | LinkedIn
Alessandra DiPace: Millennium | LinkedIn

At Millennium Counseling Center, our mission is to provide compassionate and personalized support for individuals facing challenges related to mental health, addiction, relationships, and trauma. Our dedicated and diverse staff works to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for people from all walks of life. We are committed to fostering a program and treatment plan uniquely tailored to your needs and who you are, helping you find a path to healing and growth.

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