Mental Health of Athletes

Demystifying Medicine McMaster

29 Jan 202108:39

Summary

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Q & A

What percentage of elite athletes are affected by mental illness?
-Mental illness affects 35% of elite athletes.
What are some common mental health issues that manifest in athletes?
-Common mental health issues in athletes include stress, eating disorders, burnout, depression, and anxiety.
What are some risk factors for mental health issues in athletes?
-Risk factors include heavy training demands, pressure to perform well, inadequate sleep from intensive training, and stigma related to mental illness in sports.
Are there any gender differences in the likelihood of elite athletes being diagnosed with psychological problems?
-Yes, elite female athletes are more likely to be diagnosed with a psychological problem than men and appear more susceptible to difficulties encountered in their environment.
What is the prevalence rate of anxiety disorders among female athletes compared to males?
-Female athletes are 56 percent more likely than males to have suffered from an anxiety disorder over their lifetime.
Why is stigma a significant issue in the athletic world?
-Stigma is predominant due to the emphasis on appearing physically and mentally fit, and the belief that mental illness is a sign of weakness.
What are the two conditions identified as uniquely impacting athletes?
-The two conditions uniquely impacting athletes are performance anxiety and identity loss.
How can high levels of anxiety affect an athlete's performance?
-High levels of anxiety can be detrimental to the body and can lead to poor performance.
What are the two subcomponents of performance anxiety?
-The two subcomponents of performance anxiety are cognitive anxiety, which is the mental component, and somatic anxiety, which is the physical component.
How does the average career length differ across different sports?
-The average career length varies by sport; for example, NFL football athletes play an average of 3.5 years, NBA basketball players play about 4.8 years, baseball players about 5.6 years, and NHL hockey league players play an average of 5.5 years.
What is the unique aspect of athletes' mental health related to identity?
-Athletes are susceptible to struggling with identity loss or identity crises, particularly due to unidimensional identity where they exclusively identify as an athlete.
What are some resources available to help athletes struggling with mental illness in Canada?
-In Canada, resources such as the Canadian Center for Mental Health and Sport and Synergy Sport and Mental Health provide support and services to athletes struggling with mental illness.
What are the three main preventative components to address the mental well-being of athletes?
-The three main preventative components are mental health literacy programs, individually focused development programs, and mental health screenings.