Mental Health In Sports: How Male Athletes Overcome Challenges

The relentless expectations, ongoing media attention, and continuous quest for excellence can significantly impact the mental health of male athletes. Despite their exceptional physical skills and widespread admiration, some athletes face mental health challenges that frequently go unrecognized.

For Men’s Mental Health Month in June, explore how the intense pressures of sports can impact male athletes' mental health and find practical tips for overcoming these obstacles. While the spotlight is on male athletes this June, mental health transcends gender, making these strategies relevant for all athletes.

Mental health in sports: Unseen challenges

Men's mental health in sports is an often overlooked but critical issue. While elite athletes are often celebrated for their physical prowess and achievements, they may also face unique mental health challenges. The relentless drive to succeed, constant fan and media scrutiny, and fear of underperforming can lead to poor mental health and a risk of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. 

A recent study found that 22.3% of student-athletes were at risk for depression, with 12.5% living with anxiety and 8% experiencing low self-esteem. No significant variations in depression or self-esteem were observed across different sexes, academic levels, or sports. This data indicates the necessity of proactive mental health support for all athletes, regardless of their gender or level of competition. Raising awareness and fostering understanding can empower athletes to access mental health resources for managing their conditions effectively.

Breaking the stigma: speaking up about mental health

Stigma remains a major obstacle in tackling mental health issues among athletes. Athletes may view acknowledging their challenges as a weakness, which prevents them from reaching out for help. The culture within sports, which often highlights toughness and resilience, reinforces this stigma, especially in men’s spaces. 

Discussions around athletes' mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, with more athletes sharing their personal experiences. Professional golfer Grayson Murray openly discussed his own mental health, contributing to greater awareness and reducing stigma in professional sports. Other athletes who have spoken up include professional basketball player Kevin Love, who wrote an article about living with anxiety and panic attacks, and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who has been vocal about his experience with depression.

By encouraging open discussions about mental health, communities can create a supportive environment where athletes are comfortable seeking help. This shift in perspective may address the mental health crisis in sports and ensure athletes receive the support they seek. 

Support systems in athlete mental health

A dependable support system can be fundamental to an athlete's mental health. The emotional backing and encouragement from coaches, teammates, family, and friends can show athletes they aren’t alone in their struggles. 

Coach support 

Coaches can foster a positive team environment by promoting mental health awareness and encouraging athletes to prioritize their mental well-being. Integrating mental health resources into training programs may encourage team members to practice coping strategies and resilience.

Team support 

The support teammates offer each other is another aspect of maintaining mental health. Team sports' camaraderie and sense of community can positively impact athletes' mental well-being. A team culture that emphasizes mutual support and understanding often aids athletes in coping with the various challenges they face.

Support from loved ones 

In addition, family and friends can provide an emotional anchor for athletes. Their unconditional support and understanding may show athletes they are valued and understood, reducing a sense of isolation and loneliness.

Mental health resources for athletes

Effective management of mental illness in athletes may involve access to appropriate resources. Mental health professionals like sports psychologists and counselors are often equipped to address the distinct pressures athletes experience.

Through collaboration with therapists and counselors, athletes can find effective ways to handle stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. These professionals also help athletes maintain a balanced work-life dynamic while developing healthy coping techniques.

In addition to professional support, peer support programs can offer a sense of community. These programs provide a platform for athletes to share their experiences and learn from each other. By connecting with peers who understand their struggles, athletes can gain helpful insights and know they aren’t alone in their journey.

Recognizing and addressing eating disorders

Eating disorders are more common in athletes than the rest of the population. Research highlights this disparity, and the consequences of untreated disorders can include severe physical and psychological problems, along with decreased performance and health outcomes.

To satisfy the physical demands of their sport or to conform to societal body image ideals, athletes might adopt unhealthy eating practices. Unhealthy eating practices may lead to the development of conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In addition, these athletes may be at a higher risk of other serious mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia. Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition where a person becomes fixated on perceived flaws in their appearance, leading to extreme distress and unhealthy behavior.

Recognizing the signs of eating disorders and receiving timely intervention can make a difference in an athlete's well-being. Mental health education for coaches, trainers, and teammates about these symptoms and the promotion of a sensitive and caring approach may aid athletes living with eating disorders and encourage them to seek appropriate treatment and support.

Providing athletes access to nutritionists and dietitians specializing in sports nutrition may also prevent and address eating disorders. These professionals can assist athletes in establishing eating routines and finding foods that bolster their physical performance and mental wellness based on their unique body type and nutritional needs. 

Social media and athlete mental health

Social media can present opportunities and risks for athletes. Media can be a tool for fan engagement and sharing milestones, yet social media platforms often incite constant scrutiny and criticism that can harm a person's mental health. Experiencing cyberbullying and negative comments can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of inadequacy. Moreover, the constant desire to maintain an online persona can reduce self-esteem. For some athletes, social media may lead to comparisons with other athletes, causing thoughts of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Athletes can be encouraged to set healthy boundaries and take breaks from online platforms to mitigate social media's negative impact. Social media training programs may also help athletes navigate the online world in a way that protects their mental well-being.

Building resilience through mental health training

Emphasizing mental health education within training programs may contribute to an athlete's growth. Education supports athletes in developing the skills to manage stress, bounce back after failure, and maintain a positive outlook. Mental health training programs often feature mindfulness, stress management, and resilience-building practices. These techniques aid athletes in remaining steady and focused, particularly in high-pressure situations, involving the following qualities: 

• Mindfulness: Athletes learn to stay present and focused on the moment, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Stress management: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and visualization can help athletes manage stress effectively.
• Resilience-building: These practices focus on building strategies for handling challenges, such as positive self-talk, goal setting, and seeking support when needed.

Athletes can gain resources to flourish in sports and their personal lives by integrating mental health training. This preventive measure may support mental health and promote a more balanced and fulfilling experience for athletes.  

The role of colleges and universities

Academic institutions may nurture student athletes' mental health by putting a spotlight on mental health. The dual pressures of academics and sports can cause high stress levels and potential burnout. College athletes can benefit when institutions provide access to mental health resources such as counseling services and workshops. A supportive academic environment that recognizes their unique pressures can also be helpful. 

When colleges and universities emphasize mental health awareness and support, student-athletes may have a higher chance of succeeding in their studies and sports. This integrated approach can give them the resources to manage their mental health and balance various areas of life. 

Encouraging self-care and work-life balance

Consistent self-care practices support good mental health. Activities that encourage relaxation and well-being, such as meditation, yoga, reading, or socializing with loved ones, can benefit athletes. Below are ways athletes can practice self-care and find work-life balance: 

• Getting rest: Adequate rest and sleep boost mental and physical recovery. Coaches and trainers can prioritize rest by building it into training schedules and promoting the importance of downtime.
• Flexible scheduling: Allowing for flexibility in athletes' schedules promotes a healthier work-life balance. This approach may include implementing rest days, reducing practice or training hours, and providing time off during academic breaks.
• Practicing hobbies: Athletes can be encouraged to pursue interests outside of their sport, promoting well-roundedness and stress relief. Colleges and universities can also offer opportunities for students to explore different hobbies through clubs or workshops.

Promoting self-care and balance in life may help athletes cope with the challenges of their sport and personal commitments, leading to mental health and well-being. While not all aspects of mental health are controllable, these practices may cultivate a more positive and supportive setting.

Support options 

For some athletes, additional support can be a helpful way to work through mental health challenges. However, a busy schedule or shame about seeking in-person care can lead some to avoid therapy altogether. 

Online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp offer the advantage of affordable care, making mental health support more accessible to athletes who might otherwise face financial barriers. Additionally, the flexibility in scheduling online sessions allows athletes to fit therapy into their demanding training and competition schedules, ensuring they receive the support they seek without compromising their athletic commitments.

Studies indicate that online therapy effectively reduces various dimensions of burnout in athletes. This approach appears to be advantageous for young athletes, aiding in their recovery process. The research highlights the potential of online interventions for managing and mitigating mental health challenges in sports.