Risks For Athlete's
Performing at an elite level can compromise mental wellbeing and increase symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and burnout. Athletes start to see physical declines at age 26, with certain sporting codes reach peak longevity as early as the age of 21 as in swimming. Our sporting culture is based on strength, great team identity and high performance as a winning attribute.
Young athlete’s transition into sport between the ages of 15-18 years, which is a critical time in their identity development. There is pressure to perform and the associated praise, adulation or acceptance is damaging to mental health and self-esteem when it evaporates. This gladiatorial approach is supported by the depth of our sporting resources, meaning we simply replace the athletes who bum out.
However, the cost to the individual, and our sporting culture, is beginning to tell its own story.

Related Risks
Athlete’s are predisposed to quick fixes such as gambling or other addictions, anger, self-destructive behaviours and simply ignoring their problems or denying they exist.
This results in poor mental health and only serves to perpetuate their self-destructive behaviours.