Abstract vector watercolor drawing of a person's silhouette. Text reads, "Mental Health Resources. Information for those in sport and beyond."
Health

Mental Health Resources

Why this matters

Mental health issues are a real, but treatable illness, and you are not alone. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or need someone to talk to, please take action now by calling 1-800-273-8255 or by visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Monthly Issue Mental Health: A New Priority in Sport

This story or pages it links to discuss suicide and depression which may be upsetting to some people. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or need someone to talk to, please skip to the bottom of this article for resources.

The Global Sport Matters Team cares for the health and safety of all its readers. This resource is meant to help navigate the challenging experiences related to mental health in and outside of sport. As Dr. Amber Cargill of the NFLPA said during an episode of GSM Live: The State of Mental Health in Sport, “Getting mental health treatment is becoming a part of the fabric of being an athlete.”

Mental health issues can manifest themselves in many ways, and uniquely for those whose identities may tie into the vast and dynamic world of sport. At the intersection of mental health and sport, we've seen stories from wrestlers facing performance stress, body image issues, drops in academic performance, altered relationships with food, and even how it impacts individuals' interactions and relationships with others. In any case, each mental health journey is relevant, valid, and worthy of care.

Below is a resource guide which aims to be helpful, but is by no means exhaustive. If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately. Find global emergency hotlines here.


What is mental health?
How do the stigmas surrounding mental health affect people?
Who are some famous athletes who have spoken about mental health issues?
How do mental health issues affect different demographics?
Where can I find mental health support and resources?
What about support and resources specifically for athletes?

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.

For a global list of country-specific emergency and suicide hotlines see this resource.

Monthly Issue

Mental Health: A New Priority in Sport

Athletes continue to tell us they are not OK with their actions and words. In response, the sports industry has acknowledged it can and should be doing more to support the people who are its lifeblood, from athletes to coaches and beyond.

Sport is both reckoning with its roots, uncovering how history and habit created circumstances that don’t suit everyone who competes, as well as navigating new territory during a time of unprecedented strain on our mental well-being. By making mental health a priority, sport has an opportunity to confer a host of benefits supporting mental wellness and to be more safe, inclusive, and inspiring.