In the second of our series on specific areas of mental health and performance, John looks at the demands of an elite athlete lifestyle which makes mental wellbeing crucial and how athletes can manage it behind the scenes. Links to further helpful information are provided at the end of the column.
Athletes are often celebrated for their physical strength, resilience, and ability to excel under pressure. However, behind the scenes, many grapple with significant mental health challenges that often go unrecognised. From performance anxiety and self-doubt to the psychological strain of injuries and the relentless pressures of competition, the demands of an elite sport lifestyle make mental wellbeing a crucial yet frequently overlooked aspect of an athlete’s journey.
One of the most common challenges is performance anxiety—an overwhelming emotion that can lead to sleepless nights, loss of confidence, and decreased performance. Many athletes manage this by using controlled breathing and attentional management skills to stay present and focussed.
Injuries present another emotional hurdle. Physical rehabilitation is only part of the recovery; the psychological impact can be just as challenging, with emotional recovery often being the final step in the process. Athletes frequently struggle with frustration, fear of re-injury, mood disruptions, and a loss of identity when sidelined. To cope, they rely on emotional resilience, support networks to stay connected to their sport, teammates, and loved ones, and activities that help maintain a high quality of life outside of sport.
The pressure to maintain peak performance while balancing external expectations can also lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Strategies such as setting boundaries, prioritising recovery, and engaging in hobbies outside of sport help athletes sustain their passion and prevent fatigue. Athletes often come to realise that their life impacts their sport, and their sport influences their overall wellbeing. Managing both is key to sustained health and performance.
Mental health in sport and life is gaining more recognition, yet stigma persists. By normalising conversations around emotional wellbeing and brain health, we can create environments that foster both high performance and neurological resilience.
Behind every great athlete is strong brain health that, like the body, needs care, training, and support.
More reading on this topic:
What “Ted Lasso” Can Teach Us About Athlete Mental Health – How relationships, identity, and capitalism affect athlete mental health.
Sport performance failure & anxiety: The hidden mental health toll on athletes
‘I lost part of my identity after sports injury’
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr75d1ez9dmo
Suffering in silence: Men’s and boys’ mental health are still overlooked in sport
Monthly columns will be posted to HPSNZ’s website
If you have a particular topic relating to Athlete Mental Health and Performance that you would like John to cover, please email john.sullivan@hpsnz.org.nz.
