Mental Health in Swimming

Mental health is essential in athlete and coach health and well-being. Athletic populations are not immune, and females appear twice as likely to develop mental health disorders. To understand what is meant by the term ‘Mental Health’, we need a clear definition.

“Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stressors of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community” - The World Health Organisation, 2014.

The Mental Health Spectrum.
Adapted from: Well-being Institute, Cambridge University, 2011.

Mental health can be expressed as a spectrum, called the Mental Health Spectrum, which shows a bell curve with a slight shift to the right meaning mental disorders tend to be less common with the vast majority of the population considered to have ‘mental wellness’ or ‘flourishing’.

At the highest level of mental health, individuals may be highly motivated, interested, productive and working towards an end goal or multiple goals. People with good, but lower mental wellness may show these same cognitive attributes albeit just not as high level, and these attributes become lower the lower down the spectrum.

Mental disorders more severe and show symptoms of diminished mood, low interest, changes in weight, appetite, and sleeping patterns, no motivation, restlessness, tiredness and suicidal tendencies. 5 or more symptoms must be present for more than 2 weeks to be considered a mental disorder. However, should anyone display suicidal tendencies this must be acted on immediately. Mental disorders will likely impair social, family and occupational interaction and performance.

Communication and Language

The language we use with people who may need some help is critical to ensure they feel safe and comfortable in talking about mental health. This subject is still stigmatised as internal conflicts arise with people not wanting to be seen as ‘sick’ or ‘someone who can’t take care of themselves’. So, in communicating with a someone regarding this topic the avoidance of negative words like ‘burden’, ‘suffer’, ‘problem’ or ‘patient’ may be beneficial to keep the channel of communication open and keep them engaged in the seeking of help. We must be mindful of the language we use to avoid further stigmatising.

In Swimming

Understand mental health in swimming athletes in essential, however little research has been completed on individual sports as well as the impact of different races, sexuality and in Paralympic sports. Some has stated depression and anxiety prevalence in higher in elite swimmers as the result of failed performances. In sub or semi-elite populations however, it is likely to be an individual response based on the 3 basic human requirements of autonomy, competence and relatedness. If 1 or multiple of these components aren’t met, in addition to swimming training impact on social interactions outside swimming may lead to further diminished mental well-being. Lastly, the monitoring and education of the benefits of sleep and recovery, especially for youth athletes, is critical in preventing mental health degeneration and disorders.