WHO’S ASKING?

It all begins with an idea. Are you checking in with your mates?
It just takes one sentence to get the conversation started.

What we know.

Although athletes may suffer from any/all manner of psychological disorders, commonly reported mental health concerns among athletes include:

  • Diminished satisfaction from sport participation.

  • Particularly (although not exclusively) among female athletes.

  • Injury or injury rehabilitation, burnout, and retirement from sport are often cited.

  • Consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs or exercise addiction.

  • Particularly related to recurring head trauma in sport.

Injuries are particularly found to be associated with depression in athletes.

There is a view that athletes who do seek help for psychological problems may be seen as weak by other athletes and coaches.

A focus group study found that athletes would be worried about others finding out if they were seeking help for a mental health problem.

Athletes were asked to define mental toughness in their own words and found that mental toughness provided the performer a psychological advantage over their opponents. They also found that mentally tough performers consistently remained determined, focused, confident and in control.

Mental illness can impact on personal and sporting life; this can then lead to performance issues and in turn increase their injury risk.