In recent years, the focus on mental health in sport has increasingly gained prominence.

It is a challenge for a professional athlete to deal with the psychological pressure to which he or she is constantly exposed. High earnings with the right to great results are often accompanied by continuous demands that greatly impact the lives of athletes. Lately, many athletes, mainly women, talk openly about the difficulties they face when it comes to mental health. These actions have opened spaces to discuss the issue in sports.

Mental health in the women’s World Cup

In the current women’s tournament, the U.S. team launched an initiative aimed at destigmatizing the issue of mental health. With the support of Common Goal, this project also raises funds for sports professionals to be part of sports organizations across the U.S. In this way, athletes will have the support they need to deal with mental health issues.

This initiative was launched in honor of Katie Meyer, Stanford University young goalkeeper, who passed away last year.

Mental health in athletes

There are athletes who have expressed having suffered severe mental health crises and the impact it has had on them. Keira Walsh, England’s midfielder, revealed to the Daily Mail that during the 2019 World Cup she suffered pressure and criticism that almost made her quit soccer. Thanks to psychological help, she was able to recover and regain her confidence to play again.

Likewise, Vivianne Miedema, striker for the Dutch national team, said in an interview that the pressure on athletes is very cruel. Therefore, she stressed the importance of establishing safe spaces for athletes to recognize that they are not well and that they need help.

Unfortunately, there is greater resistance to the issue in men’s sports. This is due to sexism and the false idea that men cannot be fragile before society. However, initiatives such as this one break down stigmas and demonstrate the importance of recognizing the role of sport psychology. This will lead to healthier environments and happier players on and off the field.

Finally, the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University) (UNIB) offers the Master in Physical Activity: Sports Training and Management.

Source: Soccer under pressure: mental health debate intensifies at the Women’s Cup