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.
The Stigma: Why Athletes Suffer in Silence
It’s easy to see athletes as larger-than-life figures. We expect them to be physically perfect, mentally strong, and always ready to perform at their peak. This kind of pressure can make it incredibly difficult for athletes to admit they’re struggling with their mental health.
The Pressure to be Perfect
Society often puts athletes on a pedestal, expecting them to be role models and symbols of strength. Because of this, athletes may be reluctant to show any vulnerability. They worry about what coaches, teammates, and the public will think if they reveal they’re struggling. They might fear losing their spot on the team, endorsements, or the respect of their peers.
The “Macho” Culture in Sports
Traditional sports environments often prioritize physical toughness and stoicism. There’s this idea that athletes are “supposed to be this big, macho, strong person that has no weaknesses,” as one athlete put it. This kind of culture can make it even harder for athletes to seek help for mental health issues.
Many athletic programs lack adequate mental health education and resources. Athletes may not even know where to turn for help or that it’s okay to ask for it.
Internalized Stigma
Athletes may also internalize negative beliefs about mental illness. They might see seeking help as a sign of weakness or failure. It can be hard to reconcile the image of a successful athlete with the reality of mental health struggles. This internal conflict can prevent athletes from seeking the support they need.
Prominent Athletes Sharing Their Stories: Breaking the Silence
It’s not easy to be an elite athlete, and many struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Here are just a few of the people who have been open about their experiences.
Naomi Osaka
In 2021, tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open because of social anxiety and mental health concerns. She was fined $15,000 for not going to a press conference.
Osaka has been open about her struggles with depression since 2018. She’s said, “I get really nervous and find it stressful to always engage and give you the best answers I can.”
Michael Phelps
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has been battling depression and suicidal thoughts. “After every Olympics I think I fell into a major state of depression,” he’s said.
Phelps is a huge advocate for mental health awareness, and he encourages others to seek help. He’s said, “For those who are struggling with mental health, know you’re not alone.”
Serena Williams
Tennis great Serena Williams experienced postpartum depression. “I felt like I was not a good mom,” she said.
Williams emphasizes the importance of communication and support. Talking things through with her loved ones “let me know that my feelings are totally normal,” she’s explained.
Kevin Love
Basketball player Kevin Love shared a personal essay about his struggles with depression. “It felt like I was on a deserted island by myself, and it was always midnight,” he wrote.
Ricky Williams
Former NFL running back Ricky Williams was diagnosed with social anxiety, and it had a huge impact on his career. He lost between $5 million and $10 million in salary and endorsements due to marijuana use.
Williams says he felt relief when he got his diagnosis and understood his condition. “I felt immense relief because it meant that there was a name for my suffering,” he said.
Mental Health Challenges Across Different Sports
Mental health struggles don’t discriminate, and they affect athletes across a wide range of sports. Here are just a few examples:
Gymnastics
Simone Biles made headlines when she withdrew from the Olympics to protect her mental health. As she said, it’s important to “protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”
Aly Raisman has also been open about her anxiety and her healing journey after experiencing trauma from sexual abuse.
Swimming
Amanda Beard has shared her battles with self-harm and body image issues. She chronicled her struggles in her memoir, offering a raw and honest look at her experiences.
Allison Schmitt has spoken about her experience with depression and the importance of vulnerability, saying, “Being vulnerable is not weakness.”
Football
Delonte West has faced well-documented battles with mental illness and self-destructive behavior. As he put it, “It’s been haunting me my whole life, self-destructive behavior.”
Other Sports
Ronda Rousey has spoken candidly about contemplating suicide after a UFC loss, highlighting the intense pressure and emotional toll that can come with elite competition.
Chloe Kim has opened up about her struggles with racism and depression after the Olympics. “I hated life,” Kim said in a recent TIME interview, revealing the challenges she faced in the aftermath of her success.
The link between mental illness and substance use in athletes
Sometimes, athletes use drugs or alcohol to cope with things like stress, anxiety, or depression. It’s a way to self-medicate, but while it might feel good in the moment, substance use can actually make mental health issues even worse.
The pressure to perform well and keep up a certain image can also lead to substance abuse.
The risks of dual diagnosis
Many athletes who have mental health challenges also have problems with substance use. This is known as a dual diagnosis, and it means they need treatment that addresses both issues at the same time. If mental illness isn’t treated, it can increase the chances of addiction, and the other way around.
Athletes who’ve struggled with both
Several athletes have been open about their struggles with both mental health and substance use:
- Abby Wambach has talked about her addiction and mental health.
- Ricky Williams used marijuana to deal with social anxiety.
- Michael Phelps has talked about his experiences with substance abuse and depression.
Seeking help and promoting mental health awareness
Athletes face a unique set of stressors. It’s important for them to know help is available and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The importance of early intervention
Encouraging athletes to seek help when they first notice something isn’t right is crucial. Addressing mental health concerns early can keep them from getting worse. If athletes feel comfortable sharing their concerns, it creates a support system.
Resources and treatment options
Therapy and medication are options for many mental health conditions. There are also specialized treatment programs for athletes who are facing both mental health and substance use disorders.
Promoting mental health awareness in sports
Implementing mental health education programs for athletes, coaches, and other staff can help create a more supportive environment. If people openly share their stories, it reduces the stigma surrounding mental illness. Creating a culture of support and understanding benefits everyone in the athletic community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What famous athlete has bipolar disorder?
While many athletes have bravely shared their mental health journeys, one notable example is former NFL player Brandon Marshall. He has been open about his diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, advocating for mental health awareness and treatment. There are likely other athletes who have bipolar disorder, but haven’t publicly disclosed their diagnosis.
What is the #1 most diagnosed mental disorder?
Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders worldwide. These encompass a range of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias. Anxiety disorders affect millions of people and can significantly impact daily life.
What NFL players have mental illness?
Several NFL players have spoken out about their experiences with mental illness. In addition to Brandon Marshall and his borderline personality disorder diagnosis, players like Terry Bradshaw have publicly shared their struggles with depression. The NFL is working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and provide resources for players in need.
What professional athlete has a mental illness?
Numerous professional athletes across various sports have dealt with mental health challenges. Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, has been vocal about his battle with depression and ADHD. Similarly, Kevin Love, an NBA player, has discussed his experiences with anxiety and panic attacks. These athletes’ openness helps to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage others to seek help.
In closing
It’s vital that we keep talking about mental health challenges in athletes. We’ve come a long way in recent years by raising awareness and reducing the stigma, but there’s still so much more to do.
We have to continue to support the mental well-being of our athletes. Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to peak performance and overall wellness.
If you’re an athlete struggling with your mental health, please know that you’re not alone. Even the most famous and successful athletes have faced similar challenges. Help is available, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve to feel your best, both on and off the field.