The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA finals for the first time since 1999, and the pressure is high.One player in particular, Mitchell Robinson, has been vocal about his mental health struggles. Robinson took to Snapchat toward the end of May to announce that he's "deleting all apps for a little while until I can get back to myself." He continued, saying he'd recently had "a very upsetting experience" and that "I got a new number, my mental health is not the best right now, but I am fighting to get back on track while playing on the biggest stage in the world."While only those closest to Robinson will know exactly what he's going through, it's no surprise this is a uniquely stressful time. "I'd be more concerned if it wasn't affecting him," says licensed professional counselor Clarindria Addison, who is not treating Robinson. The NBA 'can and will intensify exhaustion, feelings of isolation, burnout'Athletes perform under immense pressure throughout the season, with the playoffs bringing a whole new level of psychological weight, says Addison. Like any high-pressure or public-facing work environment, environments like the NBA "can and will intensify exhaustion, feelings of isolation, burnout, and stress and anxiety," says Los Angeles-based therapist Suzanne Wallach, who has not worked with any NBA players. Addison says she would add grief, adrenaline, hope and fear to that mix of emotions."The public, the league, and the other players are constantly evaluating them," says Wallach, only compounding those feelings further.'Awareness is the first act of healing'Not everyone performs on a global stage for a living, but high stakes situations can arise in day-to-day life, too. If you're managing a period of intense stress, here's how Addison and Wallach recommend managing it.Name what you're feeling without judging it: "Awareness is the first act of healing," says Addison.Create non-negotiable micro-rituals that signal safety to your nervous system: "Even five minutes of stillness, breathwork, or prayer can regulate what stress dysregulates," says Addison."Avoid reading anything about yourself online — and doomscrolling in general," says Wallach. "Surround yourself with trustworthy and supportive people," says Wallach.And take care of your general health. "Making sure you avoid getting sick as much as possible, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding mood-altering substances are all essential to good mental health," says Wallach.Ultimately, "what Mitchell Robinson is experiencing is a very human response to an inhuman level of pressure," says Addison. "The fact that he's naming it publicly? That actually takes courage."Want to get ahead at work? Then you need to learn how to make effective small talk. In CNBC's new online course, How To Talk To People At Work, expert instructors share practical strategies to help you use everyday conversations to gain visibility, build meaningful relationships and accelerate your career growth. Sign up today!