Elite athletes face immense pressure – and new data shows that 35% suffer from mental health issues. Now Winning Streaks is shining a light on the problem with its mental health awareness campaign!
Mental health is a challenge that affects everyone, no matter who you are or what you do. However, when it comes to athletes, the stresses of competition and the pressures to perform at the highest level can take a significant toll on mental well-being.
Data from the American College of Sports Medicine shows that 35% of elite athletes have a mental health condition - ranging from burnout to depression, Winning Streaks says. This percentage is considerably higher than the 21% of adults reported to experience mental health issues nationwide and underscores the stressful nature of sport.
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Winning Streaks explains that mental health is the invisible opponent in the sports world and aims to raise awareness of the discourse surrounding it for all athletes. Its mental health awareness campaign focuses on the Villanova Track & Field program and strives to enhance the experience for student-athletes.
As part of the campaign, proceeds for all sales of the Touching Greatness, Forever Together book will be donated to support mental health awareness. The book was written by Jerry Bouma, a former Villanova track star from 1970 to 1974. It discusses the rise of the school's running program and the results the team achieved, guided by Coach Jack Pyrah.
The book reveals how the Villanova track team was able to achieve sustained success over two decades of competition. It won the Championship of America distance medley relay across 16 consecutive years, a feat that Winning Streaks notes is unparalleled in both amateur and professional sports.
Thanks to Jerry Bouma's involvement in the team, the book provides detailed insights into the movement and the day-to-day operations that led to this unbeaten run.
Now, as more emphasis is placed on the national mental health conversation, Winning Streaks aims to generate more interest and engagement. The organization notes that only 10% of elite athletes with a mental health issue seek care from a professional. As such, by raising awareness of the different conditions experienced by athletes, the campaign aims to encourage more discussion and debate.
A spokesperson states: "Winning Streaks supports breaking the silence on mental health for all runners. Data from the American College of Sports Medicine indicates that 35% of elite athletes struggle with burnout, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental problems that we don't hear about. That said, we're shining the light and opening up the conversation about mental wellness for every athlete as it becomes more prevalent and commonplace."
If you or someone you know is battling mental health issues, you know how hard it can be. This movement aims to highlight the personal battles that elite athletes face, on and off the track.
Go to https://www.winning-streaks.com/ for more info!
