High performance mental health

A recent study investigating the mental health of athletes at the FINA World Championships in 2019 revealed that nearly 25% of the participants met the criteria for depression, and 45% expressed a desire for or a need for psychotherapeutic support. These findings underscore the importance of mental health support and resources for high performance athletes.

Suffering in silence: Men’s and boys’ mental health are still overlooked in sport

For men and boys, caring about sport typically conjures images of passionate competition and fighting for the win. This understanding of care leaves little room for self-care, health and safety, and emotional vulnerability — topics that are fraught with risks for boys and men in a sport culture of hypermasculinity. The National Hockey League Players’ Association recently…

Help-seeking for mental health

This study showed that female athletes exhibited more positive attitudes towards seeking help and held higher expectations regarding counseling compared to male athletes. These findings shed light on potential gender-related disparities in the perception of mental health support in sport, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to adapt to the diverse needs of athletes.

Athlete wellbeing post-retirement

In a study that delved into the perspectives of retired Olympians regarding the factors that influence athlete well-being post-retirement, participants highlighted the critical role of coaches, support staff, and others in the training environment. This finding underscores the importance of fostering positive relationships to enhance psychological safety and well-being after retiring from sport.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in elite athletes

Mental health and mental health disorders affect people from all walks of life. Elite athletes face unique challenges in dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with an estimated 1 in 8 experiencing this condition. This recent study explores the complexities of diagnosing and treating PTSD in athletes, highlighting best practice models for mental health…

Nutrition and mental health

Mental health is an integral and essential component of human health, and an unhealthy lifestyle can be associated with poor mental health. A recent study encourages the integration of micro- and macronutrients in a well-balanced and varied diet, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, for preservation of normal brain function and well-being.

Under pressure

Did you know that the effects of pressure on sports performance are more complex than commonly assumed? A new study examined various pressure conditions in golf putting and found that while some conditions impaired performance, others actually improved it! Considering individual pressure factors and tailoring conditions accordingly may optimize performance and highlights the need for…

Prioritizing mental health

Prioritizing mental health is crucial, and regular exercise is a powerful tool in achieving it. The therapeutic effects of nature on our well-being have garnered significant attention in recent years. A recent study underscores the potential of nature walks in effectively reducing anxiety levels.

Outdoor swimming and overall health

It is crucial to maintain both mental and physical health for optimal living and sport performance. A recent study has discovered that engaging in physical activity, particularly through outdoor swimming, is perceived to yield positive health impacts. This practice is linked to reductions in symptoms related to mental health, musculoskeletal issues, injuries, as well as…

Bullying does not provide a competitive advantage, it just harms brains

Too often we hear older generations, especially in sports, use put downs like “snowflake,” “entitled,” “soft,” sometimes accompanied by swear words and homophobic slurs. All forms of bullying. What many coaches and parents do not realize is that from a brain science point of view, youth are truly vulnerable. They do not choose to be…