Athletes are perceived as the epitome of strength, physical & mental. Their rigorous training routines, discipline, and on-field performance present an image of resilience, determination, and confidence. However, beneath the surface, many athletes silently struggle with the same mental health challenges as everyone else, particularly anxiety and depression. In fact, due to the intense pressure they face, athletes may be even more vulnerable.
This blog explores the realities behind the question: Do athletes suffer from anxiety and depression? The short answer is yes, but the full picture reveals how complex, misunderstood, and under-addressed this issue truly is.
The Pressure Behind the Performance
Athletes experience unique psychological demands. Their performance is constantly under scrutiny from coaches, teammates, the media, and the public. The fear of failure, pressure to maintain form, fear of injury, and career uncertainty can significantly impact mental health.
- Performance Anxiety: The pressure to perform can trigger intense pre-competition anxiety.
- Injuries: Sudden injuries can lead to long recovery periods, identity loss, and fear of reinjury.
- Burnout: Long training hours and minimal rest often lead to emotional exhaustion and loss of motivation.
- Transitioning out of sport: Retiring or being forced out of competition can cause an existential crisis and identity confusion.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, athletes are at the same risk or even higher of developing mental health conditions as non-athletes, particularly anxiety and depression (Reardon et al., 2019).
Breaking the Myth of Invincibility
There is a widespread assumption that athletes, due to their physical fitness, are also mentally indestructible. This myth discourages many from speaking out or seeking help. In reality, their mental health struggles often remain hidden behind medals and records.
Professional tennis player Naomi Osaka, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, and gymnast Simone Biles have all opened up about their battles with anxiety, depression, and burnout. Their courage to speak out has shed light on a culture that prioritises winning over well-being.
These conversations are essential because they normalise vulnerability in a culture of toughness. Athletes are human beings first, with emotional needs, insecurities, and limits.
Signs of Anxiety and Depression in Athletes
Recognising symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention. Common signs include:
- Persistent sadness or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating during practice or competition
- Sleep disturbances
- Low motivation or enthusiasm
- Withdrawal from social and team activities
- Changes in appetite
- Thoughts of hopelessness or worthlessness
In athletes, these symptoms may manifest subtly or be masked by their training schedule and commitment to performance. Coaches, trainers, and teammates need to be emotionally aware and observant.
The Role of Mental Health Support
1. Sports Psychologists and Therapists
Sports psychologists help athletes manage stress, build resilience, and overcome performance blocks. Beyond performance enhancement, they also offer emotional support for personal challenges.
Online therapy platforms like TalktoAngel are also helping bridge the gap, offering confidential online counselling with licensed psychologists. This flexibility makes it easier for athletes with tight schedules to access mental health care.
2. Mental Health Education
Teams, coaches, and sporting organisations should incorporate mental health awareness and training. Destigmatizing conversations and encouraging open dialogue can create a safer environment.
3. Holistic Well-Being
Emphasizing mind-body wellness through mindfulness, proper nutrition, rest, and personal time can help athletes balance their physical and emotional health. Practices like journaling, meditation, and breathing exercises are increasingly used by elite athletes.
Student and Collegiate Athletes
Itâs not just elite athletes who are affected. Student athletes, especially in college, are under immense pressure to juggle academics, sports, social life, and future career concerns. A 2021 study found that up to 33% of college athletes reported symptoms of depression, yet only a small percentage sought help (Wolanin et al., 2016).
The stigma around seeking therapy, fear of being seen as âweak,â and lack of access to professional support often deter student athletes from addressing their mental health needs.
When Silence Hurts
Left unaddressed, anxiety and depression can lead to serious consequences, including substance misuse, eating disorders, or suicidal ideation. Some athletes may internalise their pain, feeling like theyâve failed if they arenât mentally strong all the time.
Thatâs why early support, open communication, and reducing stigma are critical. Athletes must know that mental health issues are not a personal flaw, but a health concern that deserves attention, just like a physical injury.
Conclusion
Yes, athletes suffer from anxiety and depression often silently and under immense pressure. Recognizing this truth is the first step in transforming the culture of competitive sports. Itâs time to move beyond medals and appearances and create spaces where athletes feel safe to say, âIâm not okay.â
Whether itâs through peer support, therapy, or platforms like TalktoAngel, help is available. With proper awareness, compassion, and professional care, athletes can thrive not just in their sport, but in their whole being.
Mental strength isnât about pushing through pain, it’s about acknowledging it and seeking healing.
Contributed by Ms. Sangeeta Pal, Counselling Psychologist
This blog was posted on 30 June 2025
References
Reardon, C. L., Hainline, B., Aron, C. M., Baron, D., Baum, A. L., Bindra, A., … & Engebretsen, L. (2019). Mental health in elite athletes: International Olympic Committee consensus statement (2019). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(11), 667â699. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-100715
Wolanin, A., Gross, M., & Hong, E. (2016). Depression in athletes: Prevalence and risk factors. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 15(1), 56â60. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000216
Rice, S. M., Purcell, R., De Silva, S., Mawren, D., McGorry, P. D., & Parker, A. G. (2016). The mental health of elite athletes: A narrative systematic review. Sports Medicine, 46(9), 1333â1353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0492-2