The Silent Struggle: Athletes, Mental Health, and Addiction

Athletes are often idolized for their physical prowess, determination, and seemingly unbreakable spirits. However, behind the scenes, many athletes grapple with mental health issues and addiction, struggles that remain largely hidden from public view. The pressure to perform, maintain peak physical condition, and uphold a public persona can be overwhelming, leading some athletes down a dark destructive path. In some tragic cases, these struggles culminate in suicide.

Today was a sad, numbing reminder for me of how real this is. Grayson Murray, a well-established PGA pro, took his own life. Initially, it was reported that he passed due to a heart attack, but today it was revealed that it was suicide.

I was deeply saddened to learn about Grayson's death. Despite his seemingly perfect life—rising star, engaged, successful on the golf course—Grayson fought demons we will never fully understand. I know these feelings all too well, having struggled with similar thoughts and battled alcohol to numb the pain.

Reading about his family's mourning breaks my heart because I almost put my own family through the same ordeal. This loss is a stark reminder of the hidden struggles many face. It's a painful reality that mental health issues are pervasive, even among those who seem to have it all together.

Mental health issues among athletes are more common than many realize. Studies indicate that athletes are equally, if not more, susceptible to mental health disorders compared to the general population. For instance, the American College of Sports Medicine reports that around 30% of female and 25% of male athletes experience anxiety. Depression affects nearly 24% of college athletes, a rate higher than that of their non-athlete peers.

The stigma surrounding mental health in sports often prevents athletes from seeking help. This is compounded by a culture that celebrates toughness and resilience, leaving little room for vulnerability. As a result, many athletes turn to substances as a coping mechanism. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that athletes are at a higher risk for substance use disorders, with estimates suggesting that 10-15% of athletes struggle with addiction.

The intersection of mental health issues and addiction can have devastating consequences. Athletes facing these challenges are at an increased risk of suicide. According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, the suicide rate among athletes is significantly higher than that of the general population. In particular, male athletes are at a greater risk, with suicide rates more than twice that of their non-athlete peers.

The pressures of professional sports can exacerbate these issues. The fear of losing one's career, the intense scrutiny from fans and media, and the relentless pursuit of perfection can drive athletes to despair. The tragic suicides of high-profile athletes such as Junior Seau, a former NFL star, and Tyler Skaggs, an MLB pitcher, highlight the urgent need to address mental health and addiction in sports.

The culture of sports must evolve to better support athletes' mental health. Like for real!!! The conversation has started, but it must ramp up... and fast. We don't need a month or a day dedicated to this. We don't need corporate sponsors behind it. We need to wake up and talk about it. Fuck sports. Are you ok? Like you as a person? Do you know how to communicate what you're feeling? Do you know that you're not alone?  Is there someone you can talk to? You would have no idea who's really struggling off the field. Hiding it becomes as much of a skill as the sport we play.

I know what a lot of people say when it comes to successful athletes and their mental problems and it's not nice. It's actually terrible and it bothers me. No one knows how hard it is until you know how hard it is. I have the terrible experience that goes back to college thinking of ways I could end it all on the regular. Then I'd ease those thoughts with alcohol, A brutal cycle. Why would someone think these things? Why so dark? Well, the answer isn't simple and it's defiantly not cookie cutter. The questions we need to ask is how can we prevent this. Regardless of athletic or social status. 

This begins with breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging open conversations. The money profited from athletes needs to be used to prevent this. Prevent one more. Invested in the athlete after their career regardless of their career. Get someone talking about how they feel. Teams, leagues, and organizations should prioritize mental health just as they do physical health. I understand it's a big business. But at what cost will this really start to take shape... like for real!

Here are some steps that can be taken:

Education and Awareness: Educating athletes, coaches, and support staff about mental health and addiction is crucial. This includes recognizing the signs of mental health issues and understanding how to support someone in need. But again... like for real. Not just a half ass eye wash course. 

Access to Mental Health Services: Providing easy access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counselors, can make a significant difference. Teams should integrate mental health professionals into their staff. For example, the NBA’s initiative to provide players with access to mental health resources is a step in the right direction. I think there should be some steps taken at a younger age here too. Preventative is so important.

Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging athletes to take mental health days and pursue interests outside their sport can help alleviate some of the pressures they face. This holistic approach helps in reducing burnout and maintaining mental well-being. I know first hand that if I wasn't on field competing I didn't know what to do with myself. 

Peer Support Programs: Creating peer support programs where athletes can share their experiences and support each other can foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. I'm here. I have been there. I do this because I know how hard it is. I also know that I'm NOT hired because of this. I encourage athletes who have struggled through their sport mentally to give back. Not as a coach but a s peer. Someone who can relate and give advise.

Policy Changes: Leagues and organizations should implement policies that prioritize mental health, such as mandatory mental health screenings, mental health days, and substance abuse prevention programs.Again... but like for real. Not just to make it look like they care.

The struggles of athletes with mental health and addiction are a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. It must be as important as the game itself.  By changing the culture of sports to prioritize mental well-being, we can help prevent the tragic outcomes of untreated mental health issues and addiction. Supporting athletes in this way not only benefits their overall health but also contributes to their performance and longevity in their careers. It is time to champion mental health in sports with the same excitement that we celebrate athletic achievements.

Much Love