Are elite athletes a good population to teach us about mental health?
Despite what coverage in the media might suggest… YES! Elite athletes have so much to teach us about how to work from the inside out.
On day 4 of The Game Inside The Games, five-time medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais explore the topic of mental health in the context of one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.
They discuss the importance of mental skills training, the evolving conversation around mental health in sports, and how athletes like Simone Biles have influenced this dialogue.
The topic of mental health exists on a large spectrum – and right now, the conversation is about dysfunction, not health. It’s time to flip the script.
Episode Insights By Microsoft Copilot:
- Mental Health Evolution: The conversation around mental health in sports has shifted significantly, with more athletes openly discussing their struggles and strategies.
- Protective vs. Risk Factors: Elite athletes have both protective factors (support systems, resources) and risk factors (high pressure, identity tied to performance) affecting their mental health.
- Mental Skills Training: Building mental skills is crucial for athletes – and everyone – to perform at their best, involving purpose, awareness, and specific mental techniques.
- Continuous Effort: Mental health is an ongoing process, not a destination, requiring consistent effort and skill-building.
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This episode is brought to you by Capgemini and Microsoft.
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“Mental health is not an outcome. It’s a set of skills that is deeply ingrained in a process.”
