Mental Health in the Olympics 2024
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo
The Paris 2024 Olympics mark a turning point in athlete mental health awareness. High-profile athletes have increasingly shared their struggles with anxiety, stress, and performance pressure, prompting global discussions on psychological wellbeing in sports. In response, the International Olympic Committee has expanded support systems, offering mental health resources and professional counseling. However, challenges remain, including stigma and the demand for more comprehensive support structures. This article explores the evolving conversation around mental health in the Olympics, highlighting progress, persistent challenges, and the need for continued efforts to ensure athletes receive the psychological care they deserve.
According to the American Art Therapy Association (n.d.), “the 2024 Olympics has moved the conversation about mental health. It also “marks a sea-change in the prioritizing of, and dedication to supporting athletes’ mental health”. As key athletes continue talking about mental health, AATA hopes that we as society can help reduce the stigma to accessing care, including art therapy. Art therapy provides athletes with a non-verbal outlet to express emotions, explore personal narratives, and develop coping strategies. Research has also found that art therapy can promote stress management and injury recovery as well.”
“In recent years, the sports world has embraced mental health to a greater degree, allowing it to become more of an accepted topic of conversation. When Simone Biles pulled out of the individual all-around competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she cited mental health concerns, posting on Instagram that she felt ‘the weight of the world on (her) shoulders.’ Similarly, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open that year, writing about her “long bouts of depression” and “huge waves” of anxiety. Serena Williams, Michael Phelps and other global stars have advocated for normalizing the conversation. The worldwide message is clear: Mental health is health, and being honest about it is an unequivocal positive.” (NBC Olympics, 2024).
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced the Mental Health Guidelines for Major Sporting Events to prioritize athlete wellbeing. These guidelines, developed with international Federations, offer adaptable strategies covering pre-, during-, and post-event mental health support. Following the Paris 2024 Olympics’ comprehensive mental health initiatives, the IOC emphasizes prevention, online abuse protection, and mental wellness resources like the Athlete365 Mind Zone. Collaboration with stakeholders ensures effective implementation, reinforcing mental health as vital to athletic success. This initiative aligns with the IOC’s Mental Health Action Plan and Olympic Agenda 2020+5, aiming to create a sustainable support framework for athletes.
In conclusion, the Paris 2024 Olympics have set a new standard for athlete mental health, fostering open discussions and tangible support systems. High-profile athletes and organizations like the IOC are shifting the narrative, emphasizing that mental wellbeing is crucial as physical fitness. However, stigma and accessibility to care remain challenges. Continued advocacy, including alternative therapies like art therapy, can further break barriers. Moving forward, the sports world must sustain this momentum, ensuring that every athlete receives the psychological support they need to thrive both in competition and beyond.
References
American Art Therapy Association. (n.d.). Mental health at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://arttherapy.org/news-mental-health-at-the-olympics/
NBC Olympics. (2024). U.S. Olympians prioritizing mental health ahead of Paris 2024. Retrieved from https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/us-olympians-prioritizing-mental-health-ahead-paris-2024
International Olympic Committee. (2024, February 6). Championing mental health: IOC’s blueprint for major sports events. Retrieved from https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/championing-mental-health-ioc-s-blueprint-for-major-sports-events
International Olympic Committee. (2024). Mental health guidelines for major sporting events. Retrieved from https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Documents/Athletes/Safeguarding/Mental-Health-Guidelines-for-Events-EN.pdf
