It’s clear that mental health is at a unique point in history. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults lives with a mental illness.
Mental illness can take a toll on anyone, especially those in the spotlight and who are under large amounts of stress, like athletes. On top of normal day-to-day stress, athletes also have grueling schedules, thousands of eyes on them, and fans on social media criticizing their every move. This combination can take a toll.
That is why it is such an important step for those in sports to pay attention to the warning signs. Teams and leagues have slowly begun to incorporate new rules in order to help their athletes stay healthy mentally and physically.
Recently, esports have stepped up and are taking action to help their players. The organization Gen.G has recognized this vast problem and has vowed to help. They have created a player's wellness campaign program to help players. The program focuses on physical health, eating habits, and dealing with online commentary and bullying. This program includes a variety of healthy food options at tournaments, LA Fitness memberships to players, and education tools to help them learn how about a variety of topics from mental health, cyberbullying, gender stereotypes, and more.
It’s not just esports that are getting involved. Numerous athletic organizations have been recognizing this very real issue and have been working to proactively assist their players to recognize and battle these problems over the last couple of years.
The NBA has taken steps to help their player's well-being. Recently, they have expanded on their policies for member clubs including making it a requirement to have full-time mental health professionals on staff. The NFL has stepped up to help their players as well. They offer a service called “Total Wellness”, which offers a variety of services, including a hotline where former and current players, staff, and coaches can call to receive help. The hotline provides counseling and resources. It’s also 100% confidential, so individuals don’t have to identify themselves if they are embarrassed by fighting these illnesses.
Oftentimes, athletes and coaches feel as if they can’t come out and announce that they’re struggling with anxiety or depression. Due to always being in the eyes of the public, they don’t want to be shamed and humiliated for dealing with these disorders.
Even though the recognition and aid of mental illnesses are on the rise, there are still ways we can continue to improve. For starters, both athletes and coaches need resources and help. They need to be educated on not only how to spot the warning signs and problems in themselves and how to treat them, but also how to interact with and help those around them deal with these problems. The de-stigmatization of these mental health issues in athletes and players is everything. The more that mental health becomes widely known and accepted, the more players and people will get help. Especially those in the spotlight.
It’s clear that those in authority are starting to realize the effect that these disorders play in today's society and start to take steps in the correct direction, but we’re not completely there yet. Hopefully, teams and leagues will continue to put their players first and continue to provide education and aid for those struggling.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illnesses, here are some ways to get help:
NFL Total Wellness: 800-506-0078 OR www.nfllifeline.org
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA): 240-485-1001
The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): 866-615-6464