When we look at athletes, we see what’s on the surface: power, strength, and agility. We also see injuries, from broken bones to sprained ankles, often cared for by specialists. However, what if those injuries are invisible?

Although mental illness can affect anyone, elite athletes are particularly at risk through their unique experiences with societal pressure, financial struggle, and a lack of resources.

A recent study found that nearly 25% of college athletes show signs of clinical depression. There are several factors that have been attributed to this statistic, particularly the construct of “athlete identity.” This identity, while having positive effects like motivation, has also revealed problematic outcomes such as overtraining and limiting development in non-athletic aspects of life. Athletes that do not explore other interests or career options often have feelings of incompetence in activities other than their own sport. This greater dependence on sport as their identity leads to a vulnerable self-image, correlating with depression.

Depression isn’t the only part of mental health athletes particularly struggle with; eating disorders run rampant amongst elite communities. A 2014 comparative study found the prevalence of eating disorders in athletes to be higher than the general population. Here we can see how, again, the stigmas surrounding athletes and the desire for perfectionism creates an unhealthy atmosphere that ultimately causes damage to athletes’ mental health.

Unsurprisingly, these statistics particularly impact Black athletes. Dr. Brackett of the University of Texas in Austin describes how gender stereotyping particularly affects Black men, as “talking about your emotions can be seen as weak.” Students disproportionately affected by stereotypes and microaggressions are also affected by what researcher Dr. Sutton names, “contextualized behavior.” Racial trauma alone can impact students in the form of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. All of these factors combine to contribute to the alarming amount of athletes struggling with their mental health.

Women, too, are disproportionately affected by eating disorders. One study found a higher level of negative correlations in female participants’ feelings about their bodies, performance, and eating than their male counterparts. Another study adds that the type of sport also contributes to the high rate of eating disorders within the athletic community as certain sports particularly emphasize a thin body shape or a low body weight. Media stereotypes of an extremely thin ideal body that is unattainable for most female (and male) athletes adds to the pressures of sports culture, making the expectations for athletes unreasonable. 

Recently, more and more Olympic athletes are opening up about their struggles with mental health including Michael Phelps, Gracie Gold, and Lindsey Vonn. Sports psychologist Caroline Silby describes the common mentality held amongst these athletes to be through “habits and practices that feed into the athletic quest,” helping their career but ultimately driving them further away from a healthy mindset.

NY Daily News, “Winter Olympics”, https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/olympics/bondy-short-program-long-road-gold-article-1.1620120, accessed May 2021

Going Forward

The first step in eliminating the stigma attached to mental health, particularly in athletes, is education. Factors contributing to mental health of athletes also warrants further study; by continuing to research this phenomenon and increase awareness, institutions are more likely to take this information into account when dealing with athletes in the future. A collaborative effort amongst coaches, trainers, doctors, and families will help continue the push for preventing and treating mental health conditions in athletes. 

“At the end of the day, we’re human.” -Michael Phelps

Resources

If you or a loved one are struggling, visit these resources below:

For support groups and education: https://www.nami.org/help

For getting help for yourself or others: https://www.jedfoundation.org/mental-health-resource-center/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255