The Hidden Struggles: The Mental Health Crisis in Sports

It was in Greece that sports were first instituted formally, with the first Olympic Games recorded in 776 BCE in Olympia, where they were celebrated until 393 CE. People have praised sports as a means of amusement, physical wellness, and communal spirit since then worldwide. In our most recent interview, Brian, a football player, emphasized how important mental stability is.

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are underway, and in a few weeks, the Premier League will kick off. However, beneath the glitter and glamour of sports, there is a more sinister side to the industry, where the stresses and strains of competitive athletics can cause serious mental health problems, which can occasionally have fatal consequences. Let’s explore the disturbing relationship between sports and mental health, and why some people tragically commit suicide as a result of the pressures of said sports. It also highlights pertinent studies, practical applications, and possible fixes.

The Sports Competition’s Pressure Cooker

Athletes may face extreme pressure from competitive sports, whether they play in professional leagues or at the amateur level. A high level of stress is brought about by the constant pursuit of success, the fear of failing, and the strive for perfection. Studies show that this kind of extreme pressure might result in serious mental health issues.

Depression and Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety is a common occurrence for athletes, and it can lead to or worsen mental health conditions like anxiety disorders and depression. According to research in the Journal of Sports Sciences, there is a strong correlation between athletes’ depressive symptoms and competitive anxiety (Birrer, M., & Morgan, G., 2010). Excessive stress might result from having high expectations for oneself as well as from instructors or supporters. Furthermore, a fear of failing or performing poorly might make one feel unworthy. According to a seminal study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, athletes are more likely than the public to experience mental health problems (Gouttebarge, V., et al., 2015).

Case Studies and Tragic Outcomes

Kericho Man Dies by Suicide After Losing Sh120,000 to Betting

Residents of Majengo, near Kericho, were shocked to find 24-year-old Collins Kipkorir dead by suicide in his rented one-room house. Kipkorir, who worked at a Mpesa shop in town, allegedly took his own life after losing Sh120,000 in aviator gambling on Monday morning. He had asked a friend to oversee the shop while he attended to errands but did not respond to calls. The police found no suicide note at the scene. The body has been taken to Siloam Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

The Death of American Football Player Junior Seau

In the United States, the tragic suicide of NFL linebacker Junior Seau in 2012 brought widespread attention to the mental health struggles faced by athletes. Seau, a celebrated football player, had suffered numerous concussions throughout his career, which experts believe contributed to his depression and subsequent suicide (Kerr, Z. Y., et al., 2013). His death reignited the conversation about the long-term effects of physical and psychological stress in sports.

Contributing problems and underlying factors

Shame and Insufficient Assistance

The stigma associated with mental health in athletics frequently keeps athletes from getting the care they need. Many people worry that talking about their mental health issues would be interpreted as weakness or will endanger their professions. According to a poll conducted by the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, a stigma attached to mental illness causes many athletes to shun mental health care (Reardon, C. L., & Factor, R. M., 2010)

Accidents and Rehab Difficulties

Athletes may experience mental health issues in addition to physical health issues as a result of their injuries. Long recuperation times can increase emotions of loneliness and frustration, which can worsen anxiety and depression. Athletes recovering from injuries are more likely to experience anxiety and depression because of the pressures of rehabilitation and losing their sense of self as athletes, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology (Arvinen-Barrow, M., & Hemmings, B., 2018).

Long recuperation times can increase emotions of loneliness and frustration, which can worsen anxiety and depression.

Read: Brian Opidi: Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Success in Football

Socioeconomic pressures are something that athletes may encounter in Kenya and other countries. Many young athletes are from disadvantaged families and see sports as a way to get out of their circumstances. Since the stakes include not only personal accomplishment but also their family’s financial existence, this can create extra layers of stress.

Possible Solutions

Improving Instruction on Mental Health

Reducing stigma and encouraging athletes to seek help can be achieved by raising awareness and educating the sporting community about mental health. Athletes can benefit from programs that combine mental health education with athletic training by learning effective coping mechanisms for stress and mental health issues.

Making Support Services Available

It is the responsibility of athletic organizations to guarantee that athletes have easy access to mental health assistance. This entails having counsellors on staff, offering mental health services, and fostering an atmosphere that normalizes and encourages asking for assistance.

Sports groups, parents, and coaches should stress the value of mental health in addition to physical performance.

Encouraging an Equitable Viewpoint

Reducing pressure can be achieved by promoting a balanced viewpoint on performance and competitiveness. Sports groups, parents, and coaches should stress the value of mental health in addition to physical performance. Facilitating a compassionate and understanding atmosphere can aid athletes in managing the demands of competition.

Policy Advocacy and Research

Better support networks and interventions can result from influencing policy changes and pushing for research into sports-related mental health disorders. A stronger foundation for assisting athletes in navigating their mental health difficulties can be created by supporting efforts that address mental health in sports.

In summary

Competitive sports pressures can have a devastating effect on mental health, sometimes resulting in fatal consequences. The athletic community may endeavour to reduce these pressures and assist athletes in their mental health journeys by comprehending the underlying causes and putting in place efficient support structures. The terrible stories of Junior Seau and Roberta Williams are two real-world instances that highlight how urgently comprehensive mental health treatment in sports is needed. As we move forward, putting mental health first in sporting settings may ensure that sports don’t become a place for dejection but rather a source of positive growth and fulfilment.

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Citations

•   Arvinen-Barrow, M., & Hemmings, B. (2018). The Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Recovery. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology.

• Birrer, M., & Morgan, G. (2010). Psychological Factors in Sport Performance: The Role of Anxiety and Depression. Journal of Sports Sciences.
• Gouttebarge, V., et al. (2015). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Mental Health Disorders in Professional Football Players. American Journal of Sports Medicine.
• Kerr, Z. Y., et al. (2013). The Association Between Concussions and Depression Among NFL Players. Journal of Sports Medicine.
• Reardon, C. L., & Factor, R. M. (2010). Sport Psychiatry: A Review of the Literature. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching.