Mental Health Issues and Psychological Factors in Athletes

Although participation in athletics has many benefits, the very nature of competition can provoke, augment, or expose specific psychological issues in athletes. Certain personality traits can aid in athletic success, yet these same traits can also be associated with mental health (MH) disorders. The athletic culture may have an impact on performance and psychological health through its effect on existing personality traits and MH disorders. This article will focus on the competitive athlete, from the youth and collegiate athlete to the Olympian and professional athlete, and how the athletic care network and MH care providers can assist with the detection and treatment of psychological issues in this population.

Unique signs and symptoms in athletes, prevalence in the athlete population, and utilization of available screening tools will be reviewed. Specific Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria and the pathophysiology of MH disorders will not be discussed. The discussion of management may include psychosocial approaches and pharmacological treatments, emphasizing the selection of the most effective treatments with the fewest side effects of relevance for athletic performance. Lastly, this paper will present recommendations for prevention, including the identification and possible elimination of risk factors in the athlete population.

Athletes Are Shifting the Narrative Around Mental Health at Work

In an act of bravery and vulnerability in May 2021, tennis superstar Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open, citing concerns for her mental health. Popular and social media quickly ignited, with Osaka facing both global admiration and admonishment. Other prominent athletes, such as Serena Williams, Usain Bolt, and mental-health advocate Michael Phelps, quickly voiced their support, and the mental wellness app Calm went viral as the organization offered to cover Osaka’s fines. Not long after, gymnast Simone Biles voluntarily sat out several events at the Tokyo Olympics, sparking a global discussion about mental health in sports.

These instances of high-profile athletes prioritizing their mental health, along with organized efforts from the sports industry, have triggered an important shift in the narrative of mental health in sports. They’ve increased awareness of the numerous career dynamics that pose mental health risks to athletes: unsustainable expectations for perfection and constant improvement, enormous public pressure to win, pervasive demand to outwork or outlast an opponent, and relatively short career spans that can end in the blink of an eye due to injury.

Unseen Struggles: Video on Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified cases of anxiety and depression around the world. On a special episode of In Depth, we’re sharing the personal battles bravely discussed by past guests, in hopes their stories can inspire others to overcome their own Unseen Struggles.

Guests reveal their lowest points and encouraging moments of self-discovery. Hear from Dak Prescott, Tom Hanks, Lindsey Vonn, Jon Hamm, Alex Smith, George Foreman, John McEnroe, Oscar De La Hoya, Jerry West, Ray Dalio, and Kevin Love. Want to see more? SUBSCRIBE to watch the latest interviews: http://bit.ly/1R1Fd6w Episode debuted nationwide in 2021. Watch full episodes each week on TV stations across the country. Find the airing time and channel for your city: http://www.grahambensinger.com/index....