More work needed to tackle depression in athletes

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-07-31 10:25

New Zealand

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Rates of depression among elite athletes are the same as the general population, and potentially higher. A review of the research written by a NZ sport and exercise physician found athletes have the same risk factors as the rest of us, but added to that list are unique factors like injury, concussion, competition failure, and the pressures of transitioning in or out of sport. Female athletes are thought to be twice more likely to report symptoms of depression, however, male athletes tend to disclose their mental health concerns following retirement, likely skewing the data. The author writes that working toward an inclusive and safer environment where disclosing mental health issues and getting appropriate support is the norm, rather than the exception, should continue to be the goal.