The Mental Health GIFT

The Mental Health GIFT

We are on day 12 of the Paris Olympic Games, and our Australian athletes are making us all proud to be Aussies. The feats of our Dolphins swim team, the Fox family, Saya, our women's high jumpers, and witnessing 14-year-old Arisa Trew have her golden moment in the Skateboarding Park Final this morning are truly inspiring.

When referring to inspiring moments, I’m also admiring how our Aussie athletes have become so open about their vulnerability and the fragility of life as elite athletes. It's not just about how they have overcome injuries but also how they are dealing with real mental health challenges. Hearing Catriona Bisset respond to an interviewer's question about how antidepressants have helped her become Australia's fastest 800m runner was confronting in its honesty. Similarly, Harry Garside's post-interview after his first-round loss was uncomfortable and raw but completely necessary for him to unpack his experience in real-time.

Our Olympic athletes are often more likely to have underlying mental health challenges. Conditions such as ADHD, OCD, Autism, Anxiety, Eating disorders and Depression are commonplace among our most gifted athletes. To be gifted a mental health diagnosis is often the superpower that separates these athletes from the pack. Conversely, these gifts can be quickly triggered negatively when a personal performance is seen as a failure.

As Australians, we have become far more accepting and educated about the stigma that surrounds mental health. Our growing understanding and acceptance of mental health challenges have created a safe platform that allows athletes to express how they feel without judgment, something that was NOT commonplace just a few years ago.

We are witnessing our nation's uplifting through our athletes' feats. These athletes are positively influencing the next generation. When they show us their vulnerability in dealing with mental health challenges, they are, in turn, showing us how to navigate our own mental health. This is a gold medal gift we must continue to share and support.

A Reminder How to Supporting Mental Health in Sports:

1. Promote Open Conversations: Encourage athletes to speak openly about their mental health experiences without fear of stigma or judgment.
2. Provide Accessible Mental Health Resources: Ensure athletes have easy access to mental health professionals and support systems.
3. Implement Mental Health Education: Integrate mental health education into training programs for both athletes and coaches.
4. Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a culture within sports organisations that prioritises mental well-being as much as physical health.
5. Celebrate Mental Health Successes: Recognise and celebrate athletes who successfully manage their mental health, just as we do for their physical achievements.

If your state or sports federation does not have a mental health policy, now is the time to advocate for one. As we look forward to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, we must continue to take a leadership position as mental health advocates.