As it’s World Mental Health Week, we are focusing on mental health and athlete retirement.
Athletes are often admired for their strength, discipline and determination. Fans celebrate their victories and view them as role models who can overcome any challenge. However, many people forget that athletes are still human beings who experience stress, anxiety, depression and emotional struggles. Mental health has become an important topic in sport, particularly when discussing athletes going through retirement and adjusting to life after competition.
For many athletes, sport becomes a major part of their identity. From a young age, they spend years training, competing and sacrificing personal time to improve their performance. Their routines, goals and confidence are often connected to their success in sport. While this dedication can lead to achievement and recognition, it can also create pressure to constantly perform at a high level. Injuries, criticism from fans and fear of failure can negatively affect an athlete’s mental health long before retirement even begins.
Retirement can be one of the hardest transitions an athlete experiences. Unlike many careers, athletic careers are often short and can end suddenly because of injury, age or declining performance. After years of being known as “the athlete”, many retired athletes struggle with losing that identity. The structure, routine and excitement that sport once provided are suddenly gone, leaving many athletes feeling lost or uncertain about their future.
In recent years, several athletes have spoken openly about the emotional challenges connected to sport and retirement. Naomi Osaka has discussed her anxiety and depression during major tennis tournaments, while Simone Biles stepped away from Olympic events to protect her mental wellbeing. Their honesty has helped people understand that athletes face emotional pressure just like anyone else.
Retired athletes often experience loneliness, anxiety or depression because they no longer have the same support systems, goals or recognition they once had. Some miss the bond with teammates, while others struggle with no longer competing in front of fans. Financial stress and uncertainty about future careers can also make retirement emotionally overwhelming. Former Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has spoken openly about his struggles with depression during and after his career. His experiences showed that success and fame do not protect athletes from mental health challenges.
There are practical ways athletes can better manage their mental health during retirement. Preparing for life after sport before retirement happens can make the transition easier. New hobbies, education or career interests outside of sport can help athletes see that their identity is not completely tied to competition. Staying connected with family, friends, coaches and teammates can provide emotional support during difficult moments. Seeking therapy or counselling should also be normalised, as professional support can help athletes adjust to major life changes. Maintaining healthy routines such as exercise, sleep and mindfulness can help former athletes stay mentally and emotionally balanced.
The conversation around athlete mental health and retirement is improving as more organisations provide support programmes and counselling resources. Society must continue to recognise that athletes are more than their performances or achievements. Retirement should not feel like the end of a person’s purpose or identity. By supporting athletes through these transitions, we can help them build fulfilling lives beyond sport and remind them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Disclaimer
LAPS is not a mental health service provider, and we are not qualified mental health specialists. The information shared in this article is intended to raise awareness and encourage conversation, but it should not replace professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please seek support from a qualified professional or contact Samaritans. They provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be reached by calling 116 123 or via their official website.