Has Mental Health in Sport Moved On?

Has Mental health in sport finally moved on from the tough macho image and become more open?

In the news this week there has been two articles regarding sports men who have suffered with their mental health. Harri Morgan a welsh professional rugby player with huge potential who has announced he will be standing down from professional rugby for now but hopes to resume his playing career in the future.

He wrote: “For a number of years, I have suffered in silence. Grieving the loss of my grandparents and consecutive rugby injuries are the main contributors to my mental health, causing stress and anxiety. High stress levels have also caused me to suffer patches of hair loss.

“On 5th February, I reached the lowest point of my life and regrettably, I took the decision to try to end it with an overdose”.

Morgan, who is from Maesteg, is a Wales Under-20s international and has seen his progress hampered by a series of serious injuries. He signed his first pro deal in 2019 after impressing on the age-grade international stage.

Also in the news has been Dodgers Re-Signed Former OF Andrew Toles to Give Him Health Coverage

In fact, Los Angeles has signed Toles to a contract every year since the 2019 season to guarantee him access to health insurance. For the ’23 season, he won’t be paid by the team but will be considered a member of the organization. This is the fifth consecutive season the franchise has stepped up to provide assistance for Toles.

Toles did not report to spring training in 2019 while dealing with a “personal issue.” He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. A year later, Toles was arrested and charged with trespassing after he was found sleeping behind a FedEx building at Key West International Airport. He was taken to a mental health facility after the incident.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone, including athletes. In fact, research suggests that athletes may be at a higher risk of developing depression due to the unique pressures and demands of their sport.

Athletes may experience depression for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Injuries: Injuries can be a major source of stress and frustration for athletes, as they may be unable to train or compete for extended periods of time. This can lead to feelings of sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness.
2. Performance anxiety: Athletes are often under intense pressure to perform at a high level, both from themselves and from coaches, teammates, and fans. This pressure can be overwhelming and can lead to anxiety and depression.
3. Retirement: Athletes may struggle with depression when their careers come to an end, as they may feel a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future.
4. Personal issues: Athletes are not immune to the personal issues that can trigger depression in anyone, such as relationship problems, financial stress, or family issues.

It’s important for athletes to recognise the signs of depression and seek help if needed. Some common signs of depression include:

1. Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
2. Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
3. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
4. Changes in appetite or weight
5. Fatigue or lack of energy
6. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
7. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, it’s important to seek professional help. This can include talking to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, and/or reaching out to a support group or helpline.