By Vanessa Cort

As we celebrate mental health awareness this month, the American NBC news programme announced, last Tuesday, an innovative move by the French to address the mental health of their athletes.

In its mental health segment, NBC discussed an initiative by the host nation to make psychologists available to members of its athletics team at the Olympic Games which will be held in Paris next month.

The move is seen as timely and necessary as athletes not only face the pressure of performing at the highest level, but also separation from their families for prolonged periods and are constantly subjected to criticism over social media if they fail to perform as expected.

The French are therefore giving priority to curbing online harassment and cyberbullying, a concern which is also shared by the country’s tennis federation.

According to a study carried out by France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP), 15 per cent of athletes have shown signs of “high anxiety or depression, with the first signs of psychological difficulties beginning on average at 17”.

INSEP plans to work with other French sports organisations to raise awareness of risks associated with mental health among athletes, while France’s Sport Minister has acknowledged that “Athletes as well as our citizens are exposed to these risks”.

A ‘Safeguarding Officer’ from the French Olympic and Paralympic delegation, along with three welfare officers, welfare officers, will be onsite at the Olympic village to render assistance to staff and athletes alike.

The French Tennis Federation and Soccer League are also using an online application called Bodyguard to provide better online protection for athletes and to monitor content coming into their private messages if they so wish.

France’s Secretary of state for Digital Affairs, Marina Ferrari, said, “The psychological stability of athletes deserves all of our attention. More than ever, they should feel safe and should be supported when they go through moments of difficulty or doubt or have need to express themselves”

In an article on the subject, Dr. Stacy L Gnacinski, remarked that she has been heartened by efforts being made over the past 5 – 10 years by athletic bodies in the US to bolster support for mental health resources.

The doctor, who holds a doctorate is in health sciences (specialising in sport psychology), pointed out that in an “ideal scenario” athletes should have access to mental health services prior to major meets so that a relationship can be established between the psychologist and the individual. “Any prior rapport or work conducted going into milestone events allows for more effective well-being or mental health intervention during those key events,” she observed.

This means that athletic organisations/groups the world over should be making efforts to give mental health support to their athletes well in advance of important events, as well as providing the kind of assistance the French plan to put in place during the Olympics.

Another strategy which can be adopted is one used by the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, which utilises what is termed the “4-Rs” approach to athlete mental health and well-being – Recognise, Reach out, Refer and Remain supportive.

Firstly, recognising the sign and symptoms that an athlete may be struggling. Secondly, reaching out to the individual at an opportune time and providing information on available help. Thirdly, checking out the referral process of relevant organisations and compiling a list of professionals who fit various types of mental health needs. And lastly, remaining supportive and maintaining contact with the athlete after referral to reduce anxiety and hesitancy in transitioning back to a training or competitive environment.

If we want the best out of our athletes then we must be concerned about their mental health and put systems in place to give them the support they need and to encourage them to talk about their problems.

In a telling comment, heavyweight boxer, Tyson Fury, had this to say: “If mental health (problems) can bring somebody as big and strong as me to my knees, then it can bring anybody to the knees.”