VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Elite youth athlete mental health
Elite youth athlete mental health
Elite youth athlete mental health
Monday 5th February 2024
Catherine Tamminen discusses the mental health challenges faced by elite youth athletes and the importance of supportive environments.
14 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Educational
Compassionate
Eye-opening
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Get the buttons here!The Mental Health of Elite Youth Athletes: Pressures and Support
Episode Overview
- Elite youth athletes face unique mental health challenges due to intense training and high expectations.
- There is a significant lack of research on the mental health of young athletes compared to adults.
- Supportive environments created by parents and coaches are crucial for maintaining mental well-being.
- Cultural shifts in sports are needed to reduce stigma around mental health issues.
- Increased accessibility to mental health resources is essential for timely support.
High peak performance is not always going to be associated with really positive mental health
Ever wondered about the pressures young athletes face? In this episode of People First Radio, Catherine Tamminen from the University of Toronto sheds light on the mental health challenges of elite youth athletes. Tamminen, an associate professor in Kinesiology and Physical Education, discusses the unique stressors these young athletes encounter, from intense training schedules to the high expectations placed on them by coaches and organisations.
She highlights the lack of research in this area compared to adult athletes, who are more frequently studied for mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Tamminen explains that elite youth athletes, typically aged 12 to 17, often train in environments aimed at propelling them to national and international levels. However, this focus can come at a cost, with some missing out on typical teenage experiences and facing increased risks of mental health issues such as eating disorders.
The episode explores how supportive environments created by parents and coaches can play a crucial role in maintaining these young athletes' mental well-being. The conversation also touches on broader cultural shifts needed in sports to reduce stigma around mental health. Tamminen argues for more open discussions and better accessibility to mental health resources, which can benefit not just athletes but society as a whole.
By prioritising overall well-being alongside performance, the hope is to create a healthier environment for young athletes to thrive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports or concerned about the mental health of young athletes. Tamminen’s insights offer valuable perspectives on how we can better support these talented individuals. So, are you ready to rethink how we approach mental health in youth sports?