By Demetris Constantinou, Contributor
Throughout the years, athletes across all range of sports have been idolized by their fans, their organizations or sometimes the entire world, for being able to distinguish themselves in what they do. Few times though, have the masses or the fans considered the amount of pressure that these athletes undergo, to be able to keep up with the expectations. In fact, discussing athletes’ wellbeing, or even considering whether an athlete has the mental capacity to continue performing, has long been a taboo in our society.
To better understand the issue at hand, it’s important to take a look at the findings of several studies that aimed at understanding the mental state of college and professional athletes. In the 2016 ACHA/NCHA survey[1], over 30% of the questioned athletes reported to “feel so depressed at least once in the past year that it was hard to function”. Furthermore, in a 2015 study about athletes’ depression[2], it was found that “as many as one in five athletes may be depressed”. With that in mind, in this article we will try to lay out why we believe athletes’ wellbeing and engagement are crucial to their performance and how organizations and leagues should act to ensure that athletes are properly supported in this matter.
Understanding Athlete Wellbeing
An athlete’s wellbeing is focused on physical, mental, and financial factors. These elements are interrelated and affect performance. Wellbeing helps athletes understand their potential and cope with everyday stress. Ideally, athletes should realize that sports are not their sole identity. Physical capability, financial independence, and mental stability promote security, happiness, and better performance. Athletes need to engage with society beyond sports. This connection allows them to be recognized as individuals, not just athletes. Engagement enhances wellbeing and improves performance both on and off the court.
The Importance of Physical, Mental and Financial Wellbeing
Why should teams care about an athlete’s thoughts or feelings? Isn’t it the athlete’s responsibility to handle it alone? This mentality has shifted as leagues and clubs become more proactive. High-profile athletes like Kevin Love and Michael Phelps have raised awareness about wellbeing. Their efforts have led to action, though the ideal outcome is still far off. Teams now understand that addressing athletes’ distractions improves performance and benefits all parties. Programs like the NFL’s “Total Wellness” and the NBA’s “Mental Health Program” show progress. Leagues primarily handle athlete wellbeing, offering support outside team frameworks. However, teams should consider new models for better results.
In-House Wellbeing Departments
One effective model is creating in-house engagement and wellbeing departments. Qualified staff would handle athletes’ personal, mental, and financial issues. Though costly, this approach would directly improve athlete performance and confidence. Another approach is hiring external consultants. These consultants would empower athletes and maintain mental resilience without sacrificing individuality. This model is more affordable but still effectively tackles athlete wellbeing. Lastly, the “intervention” model hires experts only when problems arise. Although necessary, it doesn’t proactively address issues before they appear. Building foundational support is essential to prevent future concerns.
While some models are better than others, acknowledgement and willingness are key. Without recognition of the need for help, no model will succeed. When athletes speak up, and teams offer support, any model can make a significant difference.
For more information regarding actions that can empower athletes’ engagement and wellbeing, you can get in touch with us at [email protected] .
[1] https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/2018AASP_The_Importance_of_Mental_Health_20180808.pdf