Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Mental Health Challenges of Support Staff

Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood receives medical attention after sustaining an injury Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
 
In recent years, the mental health of athletes has garnered significant attention in the sports world. However, an equally important yet often overlooked aspect is the mental well-being of healthcare professionals (HCP) who support these athletes. While the spotlight has rightfully illuminated the psychological challenges faced by competitors, it is crucial to recognize that the support staff working in sports settings also encounter unique stressors and mental health concerns. These individuals, including coaches, team physicians, physiotherapists, athletic trainers, and sports psychologists, play a vital role in maintaining athletes’ physical and mental health. Yet, the demanding nature of their work and the high-pressure competitive sports environment can affect their mental well-being.

Practitioner Mental Health

Mental health symptoms (MHS) are specific experiences or behaviors that may indicate underlying psychological distress, such as feeling sad, anxious, or having difficulty concentrating. Mental health disorders (MHD), on the other hand, are clinically diagnosed conditions that meet specific criteria and significantly impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors over an extended period⁽¹⁾. Researchers in South Africa found that 8%-12% of HCPs working during the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games reported moderate to severe depressive disorders⁽²⁾. Exercise physiologists working with individuals, including athletes, experience mental illness and show moderate levels of burnout (60%) and compassion fatigue (30%), which is comparable to other mental health professionals⁽³⁾. Researchers at the  University of Zurich in Switzerland conducted a review that highlights the scarcity of research on elite coaches’ MHD and MHS. However, they do experience symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and depression⁽⁴⁾.

“It is crucial to recognize that the HCP working in sports settings also encounter unique stressors and mental health concerns...”

Challenges

Healthcare workers in sports face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental well-being. The high-pressure environment of competitive sports and the demanding nature of their work create a complex set of stressors. These professionals often deal with tight schedules, long working hours, and the need to make quick decisions that can affect athletes’ careers. The emotional toll of managing athletes’ injuries, rehabilitation, and performance expectations can lead to MHS and MHD. Additionally, the public scrutiny and media attention surrounding high-profile sports events can intensify the pressure on these healthcare workers. The constant travel and irregular work schedules associated with sports seasons can disrupt work-life balance and personal relationships. Furthermore, the responsibility of maintaining athlete confidentiality while navigating team dynamics and organizational pressures can create ethical dilemmas and additional stress. These factors, combined with the need to stay updated with rapidly evolving sports medicine practices, contribute to a challenging work environment that can significantly impact healthcare workers’ mental health.

Performance Influence

The influence of coaches’ and HCPs’ mental health on their athletes is still under investigation, with research focused mainly on the influence of coaches’ stress on coaching performance⁽⁴⁾. The mental health of HCPs and coaches can impact their performance and that of their athletes. When they maintain good mental health, they are better equipped to provide effective support, guidance, and care to their athletes. Their emotional stability and resilience can foster a positive training environment, improving athlete performance and well-being. Conversely, poor mental health among HCPs and coaches may result in decreased empathy, communication difficulties, and impaired decision-making, potentially hindering athlete development and performance. Moreover, practitioners experiencing mental health challenges may struggle to manage their stress levels, potentially transferring this stress to their athletes and negatively affecting team dynamics. This interconnected relationship highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health support for practitioners to ensure optimal outcomes for themselves and the athletes under their care.