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Learning From Elite Athletes' Experience of Depression
Florence Lebrun1, Àine MacNamara1,2, Sheelagh Rodgers2
1Institute of Coaching and Performance, School of Sport and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Psychology
|November 13, 2018
Summary
Elite athletes experiencing depression face various triggers and changes, highlighting the need for better mental health support in sports. Stigma remains a significant barrier for athletes seeking help.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Growing awareness of mental health issues (MHIs) in elite sports.
- Depression is a significant clinical MHI affecting athletes.
- Need to understand athletes' subjective experiences and perceptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Explore lived experiences of elite athletes with depression.
- Investigate perceptions of MHI prevalence in elite sport.
- Examine the stigma surrounding MHIs in high-level sport environments.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
- Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) for data analysis.
- Involved four elite athletes (1 female, 3 males) from diverse sports.
Main Results:
- Identified sport and non-sport triggers for depression (e.g., mistreatment, injuries).
- Observed changes in behavior, performance decline, and personality.
- Athletes perceive MHIs as prevalent but stigmatized in elite sport.
Conclusions:
- MHIs, particularly depression, present unique challenges for elite athletes.
- Stigma surrounding MHIs detrimentally impacts athletes.
- Highlights need for further research and improved care strategies for athletes.