In regards to sport and mental health compared to physical there is a

massive gap within getting support and help. Sport athletes are generally

idolised for their physical skill with their own mental health getting a

backseat.

Athletes are definitely vulnerable to mental health, despite the positive

beneficial ties with exercise and improving mental health. However many

influences within the sport area will perhaps lead to worse mental health in

athletes and players. For example the stress and pressure of performances

frequently can lead to possible anxiety. In addition to this many athletes

could possibly develop eating disorders due to portion control and

monitored diets. Due to the standards athletes have to stay at from coaches

and fans it's possible to develop negative coping mechanisms to cope with

the pressure.

It's important to remember mental disorders such as depression and

general anxiety disorders etc affect individuals 25% more between the ages

of 16 - 34. The majority of sport athletes make up the margin of this,

alongside the mental, physical demands of their sport they are more likely

to fall victim to disorders like these.

Possible Athletic stressors which could lead to issues with

mental health could be -

● Overtraining

● Possible Injuries

● Performance expectations

● Performance failure

● Low support and negative social media response

● Long periods of travel and consistently changing environments

Many athletes will not want to receive mental health support due to stigma

through society and the possibility of being excluded from teams or being

unable to compete. Athletes are encouraged to minimise vulnerability and

weakness to appear just as strong as the sport they regularly perform.

While there has been better understanding of mental health and support

due to social media there is still a significant number of athletes who are

struggling to receive support.

Millie, ANC.