S10E1 - Mental Olympics

Olympians, including gymnast Simone Biles, have been courageously open about the subject of athletes’ mental health, and how the fierce competition of the Olympics has affected their own well-being.

The reality is that although our Olympic athletes may sometimes seem like superheroes, they’re human beings like the rest of us. And holding athletes to a constant superhero standard may be part of what’s preventing them from getting the mental health support they need.

Other athletes who have struggled with mental health issues have bravely come forward as well. Tennis player Naomi Osaka pulled out of the French Open in order to protect her mental health. Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps has been open about his struggles with anxiety, depression and ADHD.

Although Biles was one of the first Olympians to openly talk and prioritize her mental health, the issue of athletes’ mental health, especially at the Olympic level, is not new. Studies show that anywhere between 30 to 60% of athletes face mental health challenges — but, in one report, only 10% of athletes with mental health issues sought out the help they needed.

Athletes’ mental health struggles can take many shapes. Many athletes live with mental health conditions like:

Depression and low self-esteem

Anxiety

Eating disorders

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Substance use disorder

All of these conditions are treatable. But when they’re left unaddressed, they can start to cause serious problems in your life and relationships.

This week we would like to highlight The Special Olympics if you would like to learn more or donate click here https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state?ms=google-soi-national&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsy1BhD7ARIsAHOi4xbPEHlHCELXssOfQCRK0aIjgV4MXWDNv1p1E0KG2_jrGQYMi_NTPU8aAn-JEALw_wcB

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