Mental Health in coaching
One in five individuals is affected by mental health problems; no one is immune, including athletes. Despite being perceived as physically fit, active and healthy, athletes can suffer just as much as everyone else from mental health problems.
Stigma in sports
When athletes are physically injured, they are treated by a team of health care professionals to ensure fast and healthy recovery. When they suffer from a mental health problem however, they are likely to suffer in silence and isolation. While sport psychology is gaining in traction, the stigma attached to mental illness is predominant in the athlete world due to the emphasis on appearing physically and mentally fit. The latter can perpetuate silent suffering and self-isolation.
It is time to change our attitude surrounding mental illness in the realm of sports and athletics.
Sport PEI has developed a resource guide to help coaches support their athletes.
This guide is broken down into two sections
- Supporting an Athlete - Know how to respond when you see help seeking behaviours
- Resources available depending on the level of need
To access the guide, click on the button below.
Do you need further support?
The Coaching Association of Canada has just created a Mental Health Hub. The Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub provides the tools and information to overcome stigma and guide conversations about mental health. This free online portal offers training and resources for coaches to develop mental health literacy and positive coaching practices to improve performance and well-being in sport.
Visit the Mental Health Hub for more information.
