By revealing their mental health struggles, pro athletes are scoring with fans

By Revealing Their Mental Health Struggles, Pro Athletes are Scoring with Fans

Changing the Game

On June 5, 2024, the Boston Red Sox placed relief pitcher Chris Martin on the 15-day injured list. But it wasn’t for a sore shoulder, a tight elbow, or a tweaked groin. It was for anxiety.

Historically, the MLB’s injured list was used for players with physical injuries. If players missed time due to mental health ailments, the explanation given to the media and public was often intentionally vague: "personal reasons." But things have changed, and Chris Martin’s move highlights the growing importance of mental health awareness in sports.

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A Shift in Culture

In the past, there was a stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports. Elite athletes were expected to be mentally tough, and seeking help was seen as a sign of weakness. But the narrative is slowly changing, thanks in part to high-profile athletes like Kevin Love, DeMar DeRozan, A’ja Wilson, and Michael Phelps who have come forward with their mental health struggles.

These athletes have helped the public recognize that they are just as vulnerable to mental health conditions as anyone else. By sharing their stories, they have inspired others to do the same and have created a culture shift.

A Turning Point

A pivotal moment came when tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the 2021 French Open, citing mental health reasons. Grand Slam tournament organizers had fined Osaka and threatened her with disqualification and future bans if she did not fulfill her media obligations, which eventually led Osaka to withdraw from the tournament.

The decision sparked a heated debate, with some critics arguing that as a professional athlete, managing media duties was part of her job. However, many notable personalities, including Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova, praised Osaka for prioritizing her mental health. Nike, one of her main sponsors, publicly supported her decision and stood by her during the controversy.

Athletes are No Longer Alone

Naomi Osaka’s actions have paved the way for other athletes to open up about their mental health struggles. Chris Martin’s move to take time off to focus on his anxiety is a testament to this changing culture. Fans, teammates, and the media have been largely supportive, with many praising Martin for his courage.

But is there still a stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports? A study conducted by my colleagues and I aimed to explore how fans perceive athletes who disclose mental health issues as opposed to those who talk about their physical injuries.

The Study

We presented 255 participants living in the U.S. with two scenarios. In one, there was an athlete who took a break because of mental health struggles. In the other, the athlete took time off to deal with a physical injury. The only difference between the conditions was the reason for the athlete’s time off. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of two conditions.

After reading their assigned scenario, they conveyed the level of warmth they felt toward the athlete and the extent to which they viewed the athlete as competent. Our findings showed that fears of backlash are largely unfounded. In fact, the participants actually felt more warmth toward athletes with mental health conditions. And they viewed them as just as capable of performing as athletes who had to deal with physical injuries.

The Power of Vulnerability

Chris Martin’s decision to take time off to focus on his anxiety has had a significant impact. Fans, teammates, and the media have been supportive, and it’s clear that the tide is turning. Athletes no longer need to suffer in silence.

By revealing their mental health struggles, pro athletes are scoring with fans. They are showing that they are human, and that it’s okay to not be okay. This shift in culture is not only beneficial for athletes but also for fans. It’s a reminder that we all struggle, and that we are all deserving of support and understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chris Martin’s decision to take time off to focus on his anxiety is a significant moment in the growing movement towards mental health awareness in sports. It’s a reminder that athletes are human, and that it’s okay to not be okay. By revealing their mental health struggles, pro athletes are scoring with fans and creating a culture shift that prioritizes mental health and well-being.

FAQs

Q: What is the stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports?
A: Historically, there has been a stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports, with many athletes feeling pressure to keep their struggles private and not seeking help.

Q: Why are mental health issues becoming more visible in sports?
A: The growing visibility of mental health issues in sports is due in part to the bravery of high-profile athletes who have come forward with their struggles, creating a culture shift.

Q: What is the impact of mental health awareness on sports?
A: Mental health awareness has the potential to significantly impact sports, leading to a more supportive and understanding culture.

Q: What can athletes do to prioritize their mental health?
A: Athletes can prioritize their mental health by speaking openly about their struggles, seeking help when needed, and creating a culture that supports mental well-being.

Q: How can fans support athletes who are struggling with mental health issues?
A: Fans can support athletes who are struggling with mental health issues by being understanding and non-judgmental, and by prioritizing their own mental health and well-being.