Recent research meta-analyzing mental health symptoms across a range of different studies has demonstrated the consistent impact of anxiety and depression on current and former athletes, with 34% and 26% of athletes showing mental health symptoms in sport and post-sport, respectively.
Similarly, 60% of youth athletes struggle with mental health challenges during their sports careers (American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM Statement on Mental Health Challenges for Athletes) and 91% of high school athletes report experiencing some level of stress related to sports (National Library of Medicine, Prevalence of Stress Amongst High School Athletes).
Other factors, such as alcohol misuse, particularly in current athletes, are alarmingly high, with forms of distress contributing to mental health issues in retired athletes.
An Increase in Mental Health Issues Among Athletes
Consequently, athlete mental health issues are prevalent in sports, but what is driving this upsurge? While sports psychiatry and research are nascent, contemporary analysis highlights several facets that may be contributing. Factors such as performance failure, injury impeding sporting success, and an increased vulnerability in athletes (particularly women) to maintain a lean body image are apparent.
Similarly, inadequate support networks have been examined as a critical risk factor for advanced-level athletes.
Low Social Support Leads to Poorer Mental Wellness
Studies have shown the vital need for athletes to have strong support networks both informally and formally during their sporting careers. For example, one research paper examining the mental health of professional footballers established a statistically significant association between low social support and poor mental health.
Other studies investigating the training anxiety of Olympic Speed Skaters found higher levels of stress and mood instability when not selected for Olympic team participation compared to their chosen teammates.
The Role of Training Culture
Evidence also indicates organizational factors such as a supportive training culture play an important role in defining an athlete’s mental health, with coaches key in setting standards. In other words, coaches capable of encouraging a sporting environment that turns anxiety-related sports performance into an optimistic, conducive atmosphere for learning can positively impact an athlete’s mental health.
As of 2023, approximately 12.9 million adolescents aged 13–17 in the United States regularly participated in team sports. This figure represents a 2.3% increase from the previous year, indicating a positive trend in youth sports engagement that could improve athlete mental health if positive training cultures are maintained. .
The Impact of Mental Health Apps
The digital mental health market is experiencing rapid growth.
According to recent data, 53% of young people aged 14 to 22 have used a mobile app to support their mental health. The digital mental health market is projected to expand from $23.63 billion in 2024 to $43.34 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4% (The Business Research Company).
Recent research reveals how young people interact with mental health apps. Notably, 56% of Gen Z respondents are willing to pay for a mental health membership out of their own pockets. The increasing popularity of these apps may indicate more positive mental health outcomes.