Athletes are often seen as the picture of strength and resilience. But even famous athletes can struggle with mental health issues. There’s an increasing awareness and openness about the mental health challenges that athletes face, and it’s becoming more common for them to speak out about their experiences.
Despite their achievements, athletes aren’t immune to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. In fact, the pressure to perform and the intensity of competition can make them especially vulnerable.
This article will discuss the stigma surrounding mental illness in sports and examine the experiences of several famous athletes with mental illness. We’ll also discuss the relationship between mental illness and substance abuse in athletes, and why it’s so important to seek help and promote mental health awareness in athletics.