When we think about athletes, the focus is often on their physical strength, endurance and recovery. However, what has been frequently overlooked is their mental health. The relentless pressure to perform while balancing demanding athletic schedules often leaves little room for emotional well-being. As the stakes rise in both collegiate sports and multi-billion dollar professional leagues, the toll on athletes’ mental health has become undeniable, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide. This escalating issue is now prompting a critical discussion about the importance of mental health support for athletes at all levels of competition.
In the NCAA, suicide rates among athletes have doubled over the past two decades from 7.6% to 15.3%. Universities and athletic programs have faced criticism for this imbalance and have begun to implement changes aimed at supporting student-athletes’ mental health. Unfortunately, this has only gained traction in the wake of tragic cases like those of Morgan Rodgers, Katie Meyer and Tyler Hilinski, which have made national headlines in recent years. Many of these athletes faced immense pressure to succeed, navigated injuries or struggled in silence with mental health issues that were often invisible to teammates, coaches and even close family members.
In response to these tragedies, organizations such as Morgan’s Message and Hilinski’s Hope Foundation have emerged to raise awareness and push for institutional change. These groups work with colleges and the NCAA to promote education around mental health warning signs, provide resources and share the stories of athletes lost to suicide. Through game day partnerships and campus ambassadors, they aim to normalize conversations around mental health and encourage athletes to seek help when needed.
Universities have implemented change in their treatment of student athletes by attempting to reframe the way they approach mental health. They do so by conducting more frequent mental health checks with athletes, educating coaches and teammates on warning signs of struggles and by being more accepting of mental health days. Adopting this open minded outlook has allowed for athletics to be a safe space to discuss mental health and seek treatment if needed. It has broken down the stigma surrounding these issues and informed student-athletes that they do not have to struggle in silence.
This broader movement has extended into professional sports as well. Competing at the highest level brings intense pressure from fans, media and the internal drive to succeed. As professional leagues in both men’s and women’s sports continue to grow into billion-dollar industries, the expectations surrounding performance, public image and constant visibility have intensified.
The long-standing issue in professional sports is that many overlook how when the body is pushed to its limits, the mind is often strained as well. Mental and physical recovery go hand in hand, and growing numbers of athletes are incorporating mental health care into their regular routines. Their willingness to share their restorative practices have helped to shift public attitudes and have created a more supportive environment for athletes to speak openly about their experiences.
An example of this came in 2020 when gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from multiple events at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, citing her mental health and a case of “the twisties” — a dangerous mental block that affects spatial awareness during aerial skills. While the decision sparked debate, it also marked a turning point. Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, became one of several high-profile athletes to prioritize well-being over competition.
Previously, 23-time gold medal winning swimmer Michael Phelps had opened up about his mental health struggles.
“Therapy saved my life,” Phelps said in a 2022 interview.
In 2014, at the peak of his career, he had his second drunk driving arrest and was at the lowest point in his life. He has since revealed that he dealt with severe depression and anxiety following the 2004 and 2008 Olympics because of the pressure he felt to succeed and perform. His experience with mental health struggles has demonstrated how even when an athlete is performing well and adored by millions, they can still struggle in silence. After receiving treatment and prioritizing himself, Phelps became a mental health advocate, spreading the importance of athletes acknowledging the importance of their mental wellbeing.
As the sports industry continues to evolve, many hope that athletic organizations, coaches and teammates will continue to recognize the full scope of an athlete’s experience. Stories of struggle and advocacy efforts alike underscore the importance of continued investment in mental health care and education. Above all, they serve as a reminder that athletes are human and deserve support both on and off the field.
