6 Olympians changing the conversation about mental health
MENTAL HEALTH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL HEALTH. THESE ATHLETES ARE LEADING THE CHARGE AND BRAVELY OPENING UP.
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(Agenica Brasil Fotografias, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)
An athlete’s success depends on their physical health. And until recently, their mental health never seemed to come into question. Thankfully, things have started to shift. The world is starting to realize that mental health is just as important as physical health. And to be at the top of your game, you have to prioritize both – especially Olympians.
This week, Simone Biles made the difficult decision to withdraw from the individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health.
“Being an Olympian doesn’t mean that [Simone Biles] gets to destroy her body and mind for America.”
Quote via The Washington Post
Biles is one of the best athletes in the world and has been the face and leader of the U.S. Olympic team for years. With that comes incredible expectations most of us can’t imagine. That pressure takes a toll, and it’s important to know when to step back.
She has consistently been an advocate for female athletes and has been open and honest about her mental health struggles in the past. And now she’s bravely showing us that maintaining mental health is just as important as physical health.
“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day, we’re human, too. We have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”
Quote via NBC News
Olympic athletes are done trying to be the image of perfection, and more of them each day are opening up about their minds. And as each person speaks out, they force athletics of all levels to address the mental health concerns that have been pushed aside for far too long.
Here are five other Olympians inspiring change for the future.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka is the first Asian tennis player to be ranked No. 1 by the Women’s Tennis Association. Recently, she withdrew from a post-match news conference at the French Open. After struggling in the past with social anxiety and depression, she bravely made the decision to prioritize her mental health.
“I do hope that people can relate and understand it’s O.K. to not be O.K., and it’s O.K. to talk about it. There are people who can help, and there is usually light at the end of any tunnel.”
Quote via Time Magazine
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is one of the most talented Olympic swimmers in the world, with 28 Olympic medals. And he's also become an incredible mental health advocate. He’s openly talked about struggling with depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts — and how he found treatment. Phelps has become a prominent mental health advocate after producing a documentary called The Weight Of Gold that called out the mental health challenges that so many Olympic athletes face, and he’s recently partnered with Talkspace to help make therapy accessible to everyone. (If you’ve been considering joining Talkspace or other teletherapy, here’s our review of online therapy.)
“The opportunity to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and potentially save a life is way more meaningful than any Olympic medal.”
Quote via The Weight Of Gold, HBO Documentary
Raven Saunders
Raven Saunders is an Olympic shot putter and has consistently broken records in track and field— earning her the nickname “Hulk”. After competing in the 2016 Olympics, Saunders began to struggle with depression and suicidal ideation. Once she checked into a mental health facility, she was able to get the help she needed and is now competing in the Tokyo Olympics.
“Before we’re athletes, we’re people. And it’s just nice to see that there are more athletes, especially nowadays, that are taking care of their mental health.”
Quote via Marie Claire
Noah Lyles
Noah Lyles is competing in his first Olympics this year for track and field and is expected to be one of the frontrunners for Team USA. Since the beginning of his career, Lyles has been open about his struggles with mental health. He said that in 2020, with COVID and the constant images of police brutality, his depression hit a new low. He’s been very open about going on antidepressants and finding the motivation to keep training.
“Recently I decided to get on antidepressant medication. That was one of the best decisions I have made in a while. Since then I have been able to think without the dark undertone in mind of nothing matters.”
Quote via Twitter
Laurie Hernandez
Olympic gymnast and IDONTMIND Ambassador, Laurie Hernandez has always been a symbol of optimism, determination, and kindness. She’s also been open about overcoming her anxiety during competitions, working through depression post-Olympics, and figuring out how to take care of her mental health while in the spotlight. Read our full interview with Laurie to learn more about her mental health journey and all she’s accomplished along the way.
“Competing for gymnastics or doing events that millions of people can see, there’s a natural joy that comes from it...Unfortunately, on the days where I am having a rough go at it, that’s what people still expect from me. Sometimes I can’t give 100%, and I’ll see a question mark above some people’s heads. It’s a tough persona to uphold.”