Foundations - Elite Sport Mental Health

Young woman holding basketball on her shoulder, looking happily to the side

Why should we care about athlete mental health?

08/25/2026 No Comments

Mental and physical health are inseparable. For far too long, we have placed athletes on an impossibly high pedestal and often forget to see their humanity. A culture that promotes a “win at all costs” mentality is both unhealthy and unsustainable. This is reflected in the pressures we put on ourselves as well. Changing sport culture and prioritizing athlete mental well-being helps all of us, not just the athletes.

professional boxer feels exhausted, fatigued after putting up intense effort and discipline while following a training schedule. strict diets that help with physical fitness also lead to burnout.

The consequences of mental health issues in athletes

07/11/2026 No Comments

Mental health is very important in overall athlete wellbeing and performance, something that seems very commonsense but unfortunately not everyone is taking seriously. We need to openly and regularly discuss mental health so athletes can be better supported and get the right care at the right time.

healthy woman taking break from workout on rooftop

How do sports affect mental health?

07/09/2026 No Comments

The Good Side is that Sports Help Mental Health; and the Catch is that Athletes Face Real Mental Health Challenges because of Sport.

What is RED-S and why do we need to know about it?

09/14/2025 No Comments

It is important to know about REDs or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, condition caused by low energy availability, where an athlete’s energy intake is insufficient to meet the demands of exercise and essential physiological functions. Having low energy affects performance, mental, and physical health in multiple ways. Many athletes may be suffering from it but are unaware.

Sports Psychiatry vs. Sports Psychology

09/14/2025 No Comments

Learn about the differences and overlaps between sports psychiatry and sports psychology, two important mental health fields that work together in addressing athlete mental health.

Common mental health issues in athletes

09/14/2025 No Comments

Mental health is an essential component of an athlete’s overall well-being and performance, yet it often remains under-addressed. Learn about the common mental health issues in athletes including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD, sleep disorders, and sport-related concussion.

Do I need a sports psychiatrist?

09/14/2025 No Comments

While general psychiatrists can adequately manage mental health issues, there are distinct advantages to choosing a sports psychiatrist, who has additional training to understand athlete and sports-specific concerns, essential to optimal health and peak performance.

Are athletes more prone to mental health issues than non-athletes?

09/14/2025 No Comments

Athletes are often celebrated for their physical abilities and mental toughness, but beneath athletes are vulnerable to unique risks and stressors such as injury and overtraining, pressure to perform at peak levels, public scrutiny, organizational stressors, and stigma of seeking help for mental health symptoms.

Category: Foundations