‘I was going through anxiety at the start of tournament: After match-winning knock, Jemimah Rodrigues talks about coping with self-doubt

She added that the experience reminded her of the importance of support from loved ones. “During this time, my mom and dad supported me a lot. There was Smriti, who also helped me… she just knows whose presence is important for me. I am so blessed to have friends who I can call family, that I didn’t have to go through it alone. And it’s okay to ask for help. The other thing that happened with the anxiety thing was when I was dropped from the team — that really hit me. When they drop you, you have a lot of doubts because I always want to contribute to the team. But that day I couldn’t do much… so when you come back in, it’s a lot more pressure. But sometimes all you do is hang in there, and things fall into place.”

Jemimah’s admission of feeling anxious — and crying as a release — offers a rare and honest look into an athlete’s emotional world.

Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten 127 off 137 balls in the semi-final match against Australia. (Photo: Instagram/jemimahrodrigues)

But does emotional expression actually help process anxiety?

Dr Suyash V Shendye, consultant psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram City Hospital, Delhi, told indianexpress.com that crying can indeed act as “the body’s reset button.”

“It’s catharsis — a natural way to let pressure out when emotions build up. But anxiety isn’t just emotional; it’s physical too — fast heartbeat, shallow breathing, tightness in the chest. So while tears help release, they don’t always heal. Reconnecting with people helps the system truly settle,” he said.

Having a support system is vital

“When someone listens without judgment, the brain feels safer. That sense of belonging actually lowers stress chemicals. You don’t need a crowd — one honest friend, a teammate, or even a counsellor can be enough. And if you’re alone, start with small steps — join a space where you can just be seen. Support heals silently,” reiterated Dr Shendye

As a person learns to heal with the support of family and friends, they also begin to restore their sense of self-worth.

“In high-pressure careers, it’s easy to feel, ‘If I fail, I’m not enough.’ But you’re more than your scoreboard. Learning to value effort over outcome builds emotional freedom. Reflect, slow down, and let mentors or friends remind you of your bigger story,” added Dr Shendye. And as Jemimah reminded herself and others, sometimes, “just hang in there — things will fall into place.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Curated For You

Bha Bha Ba Movie Review, Collection Live Updates: Dileep-Mohanlal film earns over Rs 4.5 crore despite mixed reviews

Dhurandhar ​Box Office Collection ​Day 1​4 ​Worldwide Update: Ranveer Singh’s film is the highest-grosser ever in Week 2, makes Rs 702 cr globally

‘Hema Malini totally left out by first family after Dharmendra’s death,’ says Shobhaa De: ‘She chose dignity over one-upmanship’