A lack of awareness among professional and amateur athletes who have mental health challenges puts them at risk of further damaging their careers or even their lives. Several young, famous athletes have recently spoken out about their mental health struggles to destigmatize seeking help. Adolescent mental health treatment can help if you or a loved one are struggling with mental health.
To learn more about Fort Behavioral Health’s adolescent mental health treatment options available, contact us at 844.332.1807
Famous Athletes Who Have Opened Up About Mental Health Struggles
Simone Biles is an excellent example of this. In 2021, she exemplified prioritizing her mental and physical well-being at the height of the Olympic competition. Biles’ story is only one of many mental health struggles young athletes face. In their interviews, Simone Biles and multiple Olympic athletes with mental health challenges felt comfortable talking about their mental health struggles.
The conversation about mental health and sports was ignited when a documentary filmmaker turned their focus on the struggles of professional athletes with various forms of mental health issues. As a result, more athletes have taken measures to prioritize their mental health in the past decade, recognizing that true success is impossible to attain without health.
Michael Phelps was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder and hid the illness from his peers for years – until his parents sat down with him and finally laid out the truth about mental health.
Athletes like Serena Williams openly talk about their struggles with mental health and are open with fans about the importance of seeking professional help to overcome these challenges.
We know that many young athletes with mental health issues are at a higher risk of developing more severe problems, such as depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, while most youth professionals are aware of this issue and can help, one in five cases go unaddressed.
For many young athletes, the stigma associated with mental health is a deciding factor in whether or not they seek help. However, coaches and parents who understand that mental health is just as important as addressing any physical health concern can provide crucial support in the recovery process.
Learning from Famous Athletes with Mental Health Issues
Athletes with mental health issues face several obstacles in their quest for success. This includes coming to terms with their mental health and the impact of the stigma surrounding it.
In addition to seeking professional help for the health challenges posed by their mental health illnesses, athletes who openly admit their struggles with mental health are laying the groundwork necessary to destigmatize by having open, frank conversations about the necessity of mental health support and the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over accolades.
Here are some steps to take if you or someone you love is experiencing mental health struggles:
- Talk with a professional therapist
- Get a thorough mental health evaluation
- Be kind to yourself, and it’s normal to struggle with mental health
- Enlist the support of trusted family and friends
- Seek mental health care and treatment as soon as you think something is wrong
If you or someone you know has been affected by mental health issues, it’s time to look at your options for treatment.
Contact Fort Behavioral Health Today For Mental Health Support
At Fort Behavioral Health, we have extensive experience treating athletes who struggle with mental health. We understand the unique challenges of being a young athlete, and our approach to adolescent mental health treatment has a proven record of success. With several different therapeutic options available, young people and their families can find the support necessary to heal. We provide numerous care options as well as community and family resources. Contact us today at 844.332.1807.
