Mental Health In Sports: Addressing Mental Illness In Athletes
Until recently, there have not been many discussions about mental health in sports—especially at the Olympic and professional levels. However, in 2021, tennis star Naomi Osaka brought mental health in sports into sharp relief during the French Open. She requested not to attend post-match press conferences, citing the need to spend time attending to her mental health. She was fined and eventually withdrew from the tournament, stating that her mental health was important and she needed to take care of it.
Sports and mental health
Athletes tend to face unique challenges that can take a toll on both their physical health and their mental health. The mental health of athletes can play a significant role in their performance and longevity in the profession.
Stigma around mental health issues and mental illness health in sports
Despite the importance of mental health, there is often a stigma associated it in sports. To some people, there is a perceived vulnerability in discussing mental health, contrasting with the outlook of “toughness” that is often associated with sports.
Mental health expectations illness in and sports culture
In some cases, athletes may be expected to move past negative feelings and forget difficult memories and experiences. Once players get to a certain level in sports, there’s often an expectation for them to project strength and focus on team leadership. In sports culture, some people view this as the pinnacle of productivity. However, this can be detrimental to players in both the short term and the long term.
The pressure to appear strong
Despite the existing mental health stigma in sports, progress is possible. That process can begin by communicating to players that mental health challenges do not make them weak or less deserving to be an athlete. Also, those involved in sports culture might help by not sweeping mental health under the rug and expecting athletes to get over their mental health challenges and move on.
Although success in sports often involves rising above certain challenges and setbacks, mental health challenges are typically not something that a person can simply get over. Mental health can have just as much impact on an athlete’s ability to play as any physical injury can.
How can therapy help mental health and address mental illness in sports?
Despite the unique challenges faced by many athletes, there is help available for mental health concerns.
Getty/AnnaStills
There are a variety of ways that therapy can help athletes who are experiencing mental health challenges. A therapist may be able to help players see that they are not alone and that they can confide in someone about their unique mental health concerns. Therapy may also provide personalized feedback to athletes and help them develop coping mechanisms that work for their unique challenges.
Healthy coping mechanisms
Across all occupations, there are many people who experience stress and pressure. However, for athletes, stress and pressure can reach especially heightened levels.
Elevated stress levels in athletes
As previously noted, many athletes face expectations to perform at a certain level and to meet certain milestones in their careers. In many cases, these expectations increase as players move through the ranks and rise in their field. Despite certain benefits linked to this progression, expectations can engender stress, and the risk of stress can especially increase when players are experiencing other challenges outside of their profession.
Personalized coping strategies
A therapist may be able to help athletes develop coping mechanisms that are tailored to them as individuals. Despite common challenges faced by athletes, no two players are the same. Therefore, what works for one athlete may be different from what works for someone else.
Addressing mental health issues challenges in sports LGBTQIA+ athletes
Athletes in the LGBTQ+ community sometimes face unique challenges. In some sports communities, there remains a stigma surrounding athletes who come out as gay, bisexual, trans, or genderqueer. To combat this stigma, BetterHelp remains deeply committed to the mental health of athletes. One way in which BetterHelp aims to help these individuals is by providing therapy to LGBTQ+ athletes. BetterHelp works with the OUT Foundation’s OUT Athlete program by donating three months of free therapy to athletes who are part of the program.
Mental health solutions outside of therapy
In addition to therapy, athletes may benefit from a variety of science-backed strategies to reduce stress. The following mental health solutions can be beneficial to both athletes and other people in need of mental health support.
Keep a journal
Keeping a journal can serve as a mental health solution that athletes can do from anywhere. Research shows that journaling may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By writing in a journal, athletes and others can express and reflect on their emotions, which may defend not only their mental health but also their physical health. A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that emotional suppression may increase a person’s risk of early mortality. By putting their emotions down on paper, athletes may defend their physical health and experience greater emotional well-being.
Spend time with loved ones
Research suggests that we are wired as human beings to connect with each other. When we lack meaningful connection, studies show that the human brain processes that social pain in the same way it processes physical pain. Having a support system and loved ones to confide in can make a significant difference for athletes, especially if they have to travel to competitions often.
To bolster their support system, athletes may find it helpful to schedule regular times to connect with friends and family. Sometimes this may involve brief exchanges of encouragement via texting, and other times it may be helpful to call someone or get together in person for mutual encouragement.
Talk to a licensed counselor
In addition to using the above strategies to mitigate the effects of mental health challenges, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed therapist. If you’re an athlete and don’t have time for in-office therapy, you may benefit from online therapy, which numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown to be effective.
Benefits of online therapy
With online therapy, you can communicate with a therapist from anywhere with an internet connection, which may be helpful if you travel frequently for competitions. You can communicate with your therapist via audio, video, or live chat at a time that works for you. With BetterHelp, you can also message your therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can. This may prove to be useful if you experience stress or anxiety in between therapy sessions.
Therapist reviews
Read below for some reviews of BetterHelp therapists from athletes facing various mental health challenges.
“Wendy is great. I'm unique and not everything in my life is cut and dry or "normal," but she has taken the time to understand my crazy workloads and athletic pursuits and has worked a therapeutic plan around things most people would have trouble grasping. She really is great, and I highly recommend her services!”
Takeaway
If you’re an athlete who is facing mental health challenges, know that you are not alone and that help is available. You may benefit from connecting with a licensed therapist in your community or online. With BetterHelp, you can choose an online therapist who has experience helping athletes overcome their unique mental health challenges. Take the first step toward getting support as an athlete and reach out to BetterHelp and meet those challenges head-on.
Frequently asked questions
Why are mental health concerns important for athletes?
Focusing on one’s mental well-being is key to success—both in and out of the sports world.
Mental health conditions (formerly known as mental illness) can have a ripple effect on the physical and mental health of student-athletes, college athletes and professional athletes alike. Young adults and others experiencing mental health difficulties can experience physical symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, headaches and pain; as well as emotional symptoms—including intense mental distress, nervousness and agitation.
Athlete mental health care is just as critical as mental health care for those in other professions, and should be prioritized by coaches and mentors.
Addressing any mental health challenge that compromises athlete mental health directly can lead to better outcomes for one’s overall mental health. Athletes can begin to address athlete mental health conditions with the help of an on-campus or on-site mental health services administration team, or through an online therapy service.
What is the benefit of mental fitness in sport?
Elite athletes (whether they are student-athletes, college athletes or professional athletes) can benefit from physical and mental health support. Sports can be intensely rigorous, often requiring one’s complete focus and best performance. While this can lead to show-stopping plays, it can take a toll on an athlete mental health.
This stress, if left unchecked, can lead to eating disorders, mental health conditions or a mental health crisis—all of which can compromise athlete mental health. Maintaining mental fitness is critical to preserving one’s physical and mental health, which can lead to a higher overall quality of life—both in and out of the sportsplex.
What are the mental factors affecting sports performance?
Mentalities can range between student-athletes, college athletes, professional athletes and elite athletes. Those in the junior leagues as young adults may just be coming to terms with the stress placed on them, which can lead to subsequent physical and mental symptoms.
If students do not address these symptoms, they could culminate into something more—such as an eating disorder, a mental health crisis or any of the mental health conditions that can commonly surface in high-performing individuals. Student-athletes who live on campus can speak to the on-site mental health services administration team for support. They can offer tailored support for athlete mental health and can connect you with other resources that can help.
Those playing in higher-level arenas (such as elite athletes) may experience other mental health conditions due to the strain of their job. These can include conditions such as eating disorders, substance use disorder or a mental health crisis. Elite athletes can find support from their coach, mentor or from an online therapist who specializes in athlete mental health.
How can we improve mental health in sports?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people can improve their overall mental health experience by seeking support through therapy or other resources. Everyone—from student-athletes to elite athletes—can put this suggestion into practice by seeking support from a licensed therapist who specializes in athlete mental health. This can be done either independently or through the organization’s mental health services administration, if available.
Other suggestions include going outside for walks, getting enough exercise and eating a balanced diet—as these can all have implications on one’s overall mental health. Young adults and college athletes might also find local peer groups for support, which can provide accountability and support 24/7.
Why is mental health important to students?
A mental health crisis can be overwhelming to deal with—whether the person is a part of a team of student-athletes or not! That’s why preventative, proactive care is key to protecting one’s overall health. College athletes and young adults alike can benefit from going to therapy, either online or in person.
Speaking to someone who specializes in athlete mental health can offer student-athletes with the tailored support they need to build a proper foundation of coping skills—which can help them to proactively avoid a mental health crisis later on.
How does mental toughness affect performance in sports?
Many athletes find that there will generally be many points when they feel like they want to quit in the training and performance process. However, choosing not to can build resilience and endurance—two key qualities that can be useful to have during higher-level sports events.
While building mental toughness can lead to a higher-quality performance in sports, it’s important to learn when to push yourself and when to listen to your body’s request for a rest. Working with a therapist that specializes in athlete support can be helpful, as they can help you to learn the cues and care for yourself as you build mental toughness.
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