Keeping one’s mental health in check is turning out to be just as important in the high-stress world of professional athletics as keeping one’s physical health.
The magnitude of the problem is highlighted by alarming numbers from a recent study carried out by Amsterdam UMC in collaboration with NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sport Federation).
The findings of the research cover a wider range of mental health issues that affect athletes on a regular basis in addition to stress. Athletes and coaches report consuming excessive amounts of alcohol (52% and 53%, respectively), which is concerning as it not only impairs performance but also aggravates pre-existing mental health conditions.
Moreover, anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties are common mental health issues among athletes that are often associated with major life events or serious injuries. This can lead to a vicious cycle of suffering that can affect an athlete’s ability to perform well on their sport as well as their emotional well-being.
Vincent Gouttebarge, a professor of sports medicine at the University of Pretoria and Amsterdam UMC, claims that the findings are consistent with research conducted among elite athletes worldwide and are comparable to the mental health of non-athletes. The professor said: “These are high percentages, but these are self-reported complaints and not serious diagnosed mental illnesses. Nevertheless, sports physicians and other supervisors should pay more attention to the psychological well-being of elite athletes.”
Role of sports organizations
When it comes to helping elite athletes with their mental health issues, sports organizations are essential. Their programs must incorporate the use of psychological assistance and mental health screening equipment.
Athletes frequently ignore or minimize mental health concerns because they feel pressured to always give their best game. Sports organizations may assist players in building resilience, managing stress, and seeking prompt assistance by fostering an atmosphere that values both physical and mental health.
More so, for athletes to obtain the proper care, cooperation between sports physicians, coaches, and mental health specialists is crucial. Coaches may have a good impact on athletes’ performance and well-being by receiving mental health training, which can also help them identify symptoms more accurately and offer appropriate guidance.
Prioritize mental health in sports
Prioritizing mental health evaluations together with continuing education for coaches and athletes can help de-stigmatize the topic and motivate more athletes to get treatment when they need it.
In order to ensure that athletes are prepared to handle the particular demands they confront and have better, longer-lasting careers in sports, the athletic community should instil mental health awareness into the very fabric of sports culture.
Source: Earth.com