Published on: 13-Feb-2026
When we watch Olympic athletes compete on the world stage, we see strength, precision, and seemingly superhuman performance. What we don’t always see are the profound mental health struggles many of these elite competitors face behind the scenes. From anxiety and depression to eating disorders and burnout, Olympic athletes who’ve struggled with mental health issues represent a growing conversation about the psychological toll of peak performance.
The reality is that Olympic-level competition creates unique pressures that can trigger or worsen mental health conditions. Athletes like Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Shaun White have helped break the silence around these struggles, showing that even the most decorated competitors are not immune to psychological challenges.
Why Olympic Athletes Face Unique Mental Health Challenges
The demands placed on Olympic athletes extend far beyond physical training. These competitors spend years, often decades, pursuing a singular goal. The pressure to perform, combined with intense public scrutiny, media attention, and the weight of national expectations, creates a psychological environment unlike any other profession.
Athletes must maintain rigid training schedules, adhere to strict dietary requirements, and sacrifice personal relationships and normal life experiences. The margin between success and failure can be measured in hundredths of a second, and a single mistake can mean the difference between a gold medal and going home empty-handed.
The Mental Health Crisis Among Elite Competitors
Recent studies have shown that Olympic athletes experience depression and anxiety at rates comparable to or higher than the general population. The transition periods, particularly after major competitions or retirement, prove especially vulnerable. Many athletes describe feeling lost when their competitive careers end, struggling with identity issues and a sense of purposelessness that can lead to serious mental health concerns.
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these struggles, as training facilities closed and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were postponed. Athletes who had spent four years preparing for a specific moment found themselves in limbo, unable to compete and isolated from their support systems.
Michael Phelps and the Face of Athletic Depression
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, has been remarkably open about his battles with depression and suicidal thoughts. After the 2012 London Olympics, Phelps experienced a severe depressive episode that led him to consider taking his own life. His willingness to discuss these struggles publicly has helped countless athletes feel less alone in their own mental health battles.
Phelps has since become an advocate for mental health awareness, working with various organizations to promote psychological wellness among athletes. His story illustrates that success and accolades do not protect anyone from mental health challenges.
Simone Biles and the Courage to Step Back
Gymnast Simone Biles shocked the world during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when she withdrew from several events to prioritize her mental health. Biles cited experiencing “the twisties,” a dangerous mental block where gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness mid-air. Her decision sparked global conversation about athlete wellbeing and the importance of mental health over medals.
The response to Biles’ decision was mixed, with some praising her courage while others criticized her choice. However, her actions represented a turning point in how we discuss mental health in sports, demonstrating that even at the highest level, psychological safety must come first.
Naomi Osaka’s Stand Against Performance Pressure
Tennis champion Naomi Osaka, who represented Japan at the Tokyo Olympics, made headlines in 2021 when she withdrew from the French Open to protect her mental health. Osaka revealed she had been experiencing depression since winning the U.S. Open in 2018 and struggled with severe anxiety before media appearances and matches.
Her decision to prioritize her well-being over competition expectations sparked important conversations about mandatory media obligations and the mental toll they take on athletes. Osaka’s vulnerability in sharing her struggles has resonated with millions, particularly young athletes who face similar pressures in their own competitive journeys.
Shaun White and the Weight of Expectations
Three-time Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Shaun White has spoken candidly about the anxiety and pressure that accompanied his legendary career. White described feeling overwhelmed by expectations and the constant need to perform at an elite level, which took a significant toll on his mental health throughout his competitive years.
The extreme nature of his sport, combined with being in the spotlight from a young age, created intense psychological demands. White’s openness about these challenges has helped normalize conversations about anxiety in action sports and demonstrated that even athletes who appear fearless face internal battles.
The Benefits of Holistic Therapy for Mental Health Treatment
For Olympic athletes seeking mental health treatment, holistic therapy approaches have shown significant promise. Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, holistic treatment addresses the interconnected nature of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This comprehensive approach proves particularly effective for athletes whose identities are so closely tied to their physical bodies and performance.
Holistic treatments include mindfulness practices, yoga, meditation, equine therapy, nutritional counseling, acupuncture, art therapy, and somatic experiencing. These modalities help athletes reconnect with themselves beyond their athletic identity, process trauma stored in the body, and develop coping strategies that support long-term recovery.
Why Athletes Are Choosing Secluded Retreats in Rural Areas
An increasing number of Olympic athletes are opting for treatment at secluded retreats in rural areas rather than traditional urban treatment centers. These peaceful, private settings offer several distinct advantages for high-profile individuals seeking mental health support. The distance from media attention, fan encounters, and the pressure of daily life allows athletes to focus entirely on their recovery without external distractions.
Rural retreat settings also provide natural environments that support healing. Research consistently shows that time spent in nature reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood. For athletes accustomed to training in gyms and stadiums, the opportunity to heal surrounded by mountains, forests, or coastlines can be transformative.
Privacy and Recovery for Public Figures
Olympic athletes face unique challenges when seeking mental health treatment due to their public profiles. Any visit to a traditional outpatient facility risks media exposure and public speculation. Secluded retreats offer the confidentiality that high-profile athletes need to address their struggles honestly without fear of tabloid headlines or social media commentary.
This privacy extends beyond just location. Many retreat-style programs offer individualized treatment plans that can accommodate an athlete’s specific needs, including maintaining certain aspects of physical fitness during treatment and working with sports psychologists who understand the unique pressures of elite competition.
Integrative Treatment Approaches for Athletic Mental Health
Effective mental health treatment for Olympic athletes often requires integrative approaches that honor their unique experiences. This might include working with therapists who specialize in performance anxiety, treating any co-occurring conditions like eating disorders or substance use, and addressing the trauma that can result from sports-related injuries or abuse.
Many athletes benefit from group therapy with other high-level competitors who understand the specific pressures they face. Peer support can be invaluable when processing feelings of failure, managing perfectionism, or navigating identity transitions. These connections help athletes realize they are not alone in their struggles.
The Role of Sports Psychology in Recovery
Sports psychology plays a vital role in helping Olympic athletes address mental health challenges while maintaining their connection to their sport. These specialized professionals understand both clinical mental health treatment and the specific demands of elite athletic performance. They can help athletes develop mental skills like visualization, self-talk management, and stress regulation.
For athletes in recovery, sports psychologists can also facilitate decision-making about returning to competition or transitioning away from their sport. This guidance proves essential for athletes whose entire identity has been built around their athletic achievements.
Breaking the Stigma in the Athletic Culture
Despite increased awareness, significant stigma around mental health persists in athletic communities. Many athletes fear that admitting to psychological struggles will be perceived as weakness, potentially costing them sponsorships, team positions, or competitive opportunities. This fear often prevents athletes from seeking help until their conditions become severe.
Organizations like the International Olympic Committee have begun implementing mental health support programs and encouraging open dialogue about psychological well-being. However, cultural change requires continued effort from coaches, team officials, sports organizations, and athletes themselves.
A New Era of Athletic Wellness
The conversations started by brave athletes like Phelps, Biles, Osaka, White, and others have fundamentally changed how we view mental health in sports. Today’s Olympic athletes have access to more comprehensive mental health resources than ever before, and the expectation is growing that psychological support should be as routine as physical therapy.
As we continue to celebrate athletic achievement, we must also recognize the human beings behind the performances. Olympic athletes who’ve struggled with mental health issues remind us that excellence and vulnerability can coexist, and that seeking help represents strength, not weakness.
Citations:
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The post Olympic Athletes Who’ve Struggled With Mental Health Issues appeared first on Sports Medicine Weekly By Dr. Brian Cole.