Olympians Share Mental Health Challenges Compounded by the Pandemic

These athletes—who serve as the image of strength and victory—aren't immune to mental health struggles.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Olympians Share Mental Health Challenges Compounded by the Pandemic   When we think about Olympians and elite athletes, what often comes to mind is high achieving super humans who work overtime to capture that win. It's an admirable endeavor, but these athletes—who serve as the image of strength and victory—aren't immune to mental health struggles.   Along with the pressure to take home the gold and portray strength, which in itself can be stressful, the pandemic introduced a mental health curve ball that left many Olympians reeling. A 2020 survey found that between mid-March and August of last year, 22.5% of professional athletes felt down or depressed more than half the week. Pre-pandemic, that number was 3.9%.   So, what happened? We can speculate. First, the pandemic introduced an abrupt shift away from otherwise concrete schedules. Second, it created feelings of futility and uncertainty after months and years of training. Finally, it also forced Olympians to pivot their laser-focus from training to confronting their own mental health.      It was difficult dealing with finally having to look at my emotional and mental well-being. Many of us choose to neglect mental health till after our competitions."  — CURTIS MCDOWALD, OLYMPIC FENCER  What This Means For You Though we might be quick to assume Olympians are unwavering pillars of strength, they too are subject to mental health issues. Understanding this can be helpful in several ways.   First, it's a reminder that we must soften our assumptions to humanize high achievers and those in the spotlight. Everyone is subject to struggle. Second, it's a reminder that we, ourselves, don't have to be perfect, and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Just Don't Fall, penned by Paralympian Josh Sundquist, is the "hilariously true story of childhood, cancer, amputation, romantic yearning, truth, and Olympic greatness." An honest account of one man's triumph over adversity, it's full of heart-wrenching moments and laugh-out-loud passages that will leave you inspired.  Products to Help You Feel Your Best The Olympic Channel Podcast features interviews with some of the world's most inspiring and successful athletes. Guests discuss topics such as training, endurance, tenacity, mental health, and more. Whether you're an avid runner trying to beat your best time or are toying with the idea of hitting the pavement or treadmill, these running subscription boxes can help keep you motivated. Read These Next 6 Ways to Manage Stressful Moments Like an Athlete READ NOW Why So Many Athletes Have Superstitions and Rituals READ NOW Olympic Gold Medalist Laurie Hernandez Opens Up About Her Depression READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy