SYDNEY (Reuters) - An
unprecedented number of Australian athletes, their coaches and other sports-related staff are seeking support for their mental health, according to a report released.
The report from the Australian Institute of Sport noted that referrals for its Mental Health Referral Network, which consists of more than 60 psychologists and health clinicians, soared from 264 in 2020 to 444 last year.
Sports authorities noted that the 68 percent surge in demand for the MHRN coincided with a turbulent year for many elite athletes who had to train for the Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing while being hampered by restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
AIS research among the nation’s 2,500 high-performance athletes showed one in three were dealing with mental health or wellbeing concerns.
AIS Acting CEO Matti Clements said there were many reasons people sought mental health support including for their “relationships, transition in and out of sport, training, anxiety, sleep, nutrition and just general wellbeing”.
As part of its commitment to help athletes, the AIS will conduct its “Mental Health Audit” in May, a survey held every two years to help guide future services and support.