The positive effects of exercise on mental health are very well documented. When we engage in physical activity, we don’t just improve our fitness, we also improve our cognitive function and lower our symptoms of anxiety and depression – ideal to achieve a balanced lifestyle. As a result, there is a perception that professional athletes can achieve this optimum state with little to no drawbacks, however this isn’t always the case.
As academic research indicates, athletes at various levels are particularly prone to symptoms of poor mental health. Between 5% and 35% of elite athletes suffer mental health disorders worldwide. Among collegiate athletes, prevalence ranges from 10% to 25% for a range of symptoms, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
With such intense pressure for athletes to perform well, they are likely to be acutely affected with the symptoms mentioned. Often, those in the spotlight deal with many of the same obstacles that other celebrities face, but with added pressure.
A lifestyle of glamour, adoration and success may define their identity in the minds of their audience, with the common misconception being: how could life be problematic for the people that have it all? Fortunately, the demystifying effects of social media have added a welcome layer of humanisation for athletes, illustrating how prone to the foibles of everyday existence they can be. Athletes such as NFL stars Everson Griffen and Hayden Hurst have both taken to social platforms to share their experiences to bring better awareness, while Michael Phelps’ HBO documentary ‘The Weight of Gold’ shone more light on what was considered to be a frightening ‘epidemic’ of suicidal tendencies among the pro-athlete community.
With ‘success’ far more intrinsically tied to individual merit and personal rigour than the average lifestyle, lapses in activity can further exacerbate symptoms at a number of points in an athlete’s life. With much of their time devoted to training and maintaining a certain physicality, a sudden, or even gradual release can leave athletes feeling a lack of purpose, something that is particularly noticeable around retirement or sudden injury More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic also caused a major pause in all major tournaments, events and championships, creating an unwelcome uncertainty for many.
While a clear-cut solution is yet to be uncovered, increasing awareness and understanding of the nuances of mental health among pro-athletes is key. While many aspects of the lifestyle they lead may seem appealing, it is important to contextualise these positive aspects among the more difficult aspects. This needs to happen in the minds of the public as well as those looking to forge their path in sport, especially from a young age.
Are you raising awareness of mental health, particularity amongst sportsmen and sportswomen? From imagery of athletes in NFL to MBA, find campaign ready content to use in your awareness projects in the Associated Press US Sports collection.
