Working in elite sports introduces several unique pressures that can affect athletes’ mental health. These include demanding travel schedules, intense competition, the risk of injury, and uncertainty about future careers in sports. Some athletes might also confront physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. Studies indicate that elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates equal to or higher than the general population. A study found 41 percent of Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes met the criteria for one or more mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Another study with Australian elite athletes showed they are nearly twice as likely to experience significant psychological distress compared to the general community. Despite having numerous resources available to them, elite athletes might find it difficult to seek help. If left unaddressed, mental health issues and performance pressures can lead to burnout, withdrawal from sports, and even feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The risks may be higher for young people involved in elite sports. Achieving top performance often requires young athletes to specialize during their teenage years, and many of those competing at the Olympic Games are adolescents. There are many clubs, leagues, and schools focusing on elite youth sports specialization. Young athletes compete at high levels, aiming to reach elite status.
The term “elite youth athlete” describes young athletes training in environments focused on achieving superior performance, with the goal of advancing to adult elite, collegiate, or professional sports. Elite youth sports settings may demand prioritizing sports over schooling or relationships with non-sporting peers, providing critical training and skills, but they can also pose risks to young athletes’ mental health. Unique pressures include early specialization, over-training, demanding parents and coaches, poor sleep, and the balancing of educational and social needs with professional sports demands. These factors all impact the well-being of young elite athletes. Additionally, young people across the globe report high levels of perfectionism, which is prevalent among athletes and linked to poor mental health outcomes. Beyond sport-specific pressures, young people face the broadest mental health challenges.
The peak onset age for mental health disorders is 15, with about half occurring before age 18, due to various factors such as global conflicts, climate change, parental unemployment, and economic conditions. Compared to the extensive research on adult athletes’ mental health, there is limited research on this topic among elite youth athletes. There isn’t sufficient data on the prevalence of mental health issues in this group. One exception is the occurrence of eating disorders, with evidence suggesting that elite youth athletes may be at a higher risk than non-elite youth and young people in general. Considering the unique challenges faced by adolescent elite athletes, supporting their mental health is critically important. Key to this is creating sports environments that are psychologically healthy and free from abuse or harassment. Parents and coaches should be supportive and avoid being overly critical or demanding. Sports organizations need to prioritize young athletes’ well-being and healthy development. Early detection of mental health issues is crucial for providing the necessary support. Warning signs can include shifts in emotions, mood, behavior, sleep, and appetite. Coaches and parents are vital in recognizing these changes and can help by initiating conversations about mental health with young athletes.
Listening without judgment, asking athletes what they need, and helping them find support resources are effective strategies. Elite youth athletes and their parents may benefit from consulting with psychologists or psychiatrists specializing in athletics. Significantly more research is needed to understand the mental health challenges facing elite youth athletes. Given the specific demands of elite sports environments and the broader challenges that young people face, it is essential to address the mental health needs of these athletes.