Not Everything Is Rosy On The Sports Front—

Ask Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Michael Phelps!

Experts have recently highlighted how sports burnout impacts the mental health of athletes.

In 2019, the International Olympic Committee published a consensus statement on the mental health of elite athletes.

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Recent confessions by elite athletes, past and present, like Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, Marcus Trescothick Victoria Pendleton, and Mike Tindall have further highlighted the high prevalence of mental health disorders (MHD) in professional sportspersons.

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Even amongst school and college athletes, the mental health landscape is bleak. The high pressure of academics and the demand to meet performance expectations have left many mentally vulnerable. The long hours of practice have been detrimental to their wellbeing, leading to a condition called “sports fatigue” or “athlete burnout”.

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This is accompanied by a bevy of mental disorders like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, addictions, and substance misuse.

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Stress related to sports has also contributed to the rising rate in athletes’ suicides in the recent years.

Experts have urged academic and sports institutions to get actively involved in protecting the mental health of athletes. 

How To Practice Good Mental Hygiene?

Frequent calls are being made at all levels to do away with the sport's culture of toxic masculinity and mental toughness, as well as encouraging athletes to not minimize and suppress signs of weakness and vulnerability. 

What are the signs of good Mental Health?

They are also asked to seek medical help, should the need arises.

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Meditation can help you achieve good mental health! Tap the icon below to learn about mediation right now!

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