How National Teams Are Addressing Mental Health in Sports

9 June 2025

Mental health in sports has long been a taboo subject, but times are changing. National teams worldwide are stepping up to support their athletes mentally and emotionally, just as much as they do physically. But what exactly are they doing? How are they ensuring athletes are as strong in the mind as they are in the body?

Let's dive deep into how national teams are addressing mental health in sports and why it's more crucial now than ever.

The Growing Importance of Mental Health in Sports

Once upon a time, mental toughness was all about "pushing through" pain, exhaustion, and self-doubt. Athletes were expected to keep their heads down, grind hard, and never show weakness. But in modern sports, that mindset is shifting.

With high-profile athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Michael Phelps speaking out about their struggles with anxiety, depression, and stress, national teams can no longer ignore the elephant in the room. Mental health is just as important as physical well-being, and ignoring it can lead to burnout, poor performance, and even early retirements.

How National Teams Are Taking Action

National teams are recognizing that elite athletes are not machines—they are human beings with emotions, fears, and pressures. So, what are they doing to offer better mental health support?

1. Hiring Full-Time Sports Psychologists

Gone are the days when athletes only saw a psychologist after a crisis. Today, many national teams have full-time sports psychologists who work with athletes daily. These professionals help with:

- Managing stress and anxiety
- Building mental resilience
- Overcoming performance slumps
- Handling media and public pressure

For example, the U.S. Olympic Committee has incorporated mental health counselors as essential members of their support staff. Similarly, England’s national football team prioritizes psychological preparation just as much as physical training.

2. Creating Safe Spaces for Mental Health Discussions

The stigma around mental health has made many athletes hesitant to open up about their struggles. But national teams are working to change this by fostering open conversations.

Athletes are encouraged to talk about their fears, self-doubts, and mental struggles without the fear of judgment. Some teams even hold peer-led support sessions where athletes can share their experiences and coping mechanisms.

When athletes like Kevin Love or DeMar DeRozan openly discuss their mental health battles, it helps to normalize the conversation. This shift is essential in breaking down barriers and making it okay to ask for help.

3. Providing Mindfulness and Meditation Training

Mental conditioning isn’t just about therapy—it's also about proactive training. National teams are incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and breathing techniques into their training regimens.

Studies show that mindfulness practices can:

- Improve focus and concentration
- Reduce anxiety and stress levels
- Enhance performance under pressure
- Promote better sleep and recovery

For instance, New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team integrates visualization and breathing techniques into their routine to stay mentally sharp and composed during high-pressure moments.

4. Monitoring Mental Fatigue

Physical injuries like torn ligaments or broken bones are easy to diagnose and treat. But what about mental fatigue?

Many national teams now track athletes' mental well-being just as they do their physical health. Regular check-ins, surveys, and one-on-one meetings with psychologists help coaches and medical staff assess an athlete’s emotional state. If a player is showing signs of burnout, stress, or emotional exhaustion, they are encouraged to take a break or get additional support before things spiral.

5. Offering Confidential Support Hotlines

Not every athlete is comfortable discussing their struggles face-to-face. To ensure no one suffers in silence, some national teams have set up confidential helplines where athletes can seek professional help anonymously.

For example, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) offers a dedicated mental health helpline to support athletes with 24/7 access to professional counselors. Other organizations have followed suit, ensuring their athletes have resources whenever they need them.

6. Prioritizing Work-Life Balance

The "all work, no play" mentality used to be the norm in sports. However, national teams are now emphasizing a more balanced approach.

Athletes are encouraged to:

- Take mental health days when needed
- Spend time with family and friends
- Pursue hobbies and passions outside of sports
- Reduce overtraining to prevent burnout

A great example of this is the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, which has advocated for better work-life balance, ensuring players get adequate rest and recovery time.

The Role of Coaches and Management in Mental Well-Being

Coaches and team managers play a critical role in an athlete’s mental health. If they are dismissive of mental struggles, athletes may feel pressured to suppress their emotions, which can lead to breakdowns.

To address this, national teams are:

- Providing mental health training for coaches – Educating them on how to recognize signs of distress in their players.
- Encouraging positive reinforcement – Motivating athletes through support rather than fear-based coaching.
- Setting realistic expectations – Avoiding unrealistic pressure that can lead to anxiety and self-doubt.

A nurturing and understanding environment goes a long way in keeping athletes mentally healthy.

Why Addressing Mental Health Benefits Performance

Some old-school sports fans might argue, "Isn't all this focus on mental health making athletes soft?" The truth is—it’s making them stronger.

When athletes are mentally well, they:

- Stay motivated and focused
- Perform better under pressure
- Avoid burnout and extend their careers
- Make better decisions during crucial moments

Think of mental health as the engine inside a race car. You can have the fastest, most powerful car on the track, but if the engine isn't working properly, it won’t perform at its best. The same goes for athletes—if their minds aren’t in the right place, their physical abilities won’t shine.

Final Thoughts

The days of sweeping mental health issues under the rug are over. National teams worldwide are waking up to the reality that mental well-being is just as vital as physical strength. Through sports psychologists, mindfulness training, safe conversations, and greater awareness, athletes are receiving the support they deserve.

By prioritizing mental health, national teams are not just creating better athletes—they're creating healthier, happier human beings. And in the long run, that’s what truly matters.