Empowering Professional Athletes: Overcoming PTSD Silence

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disproportionately affects professional athletes, with over 13% experiencing the condition compared to less than 4% of the general population. The stigma surrounding mental health in elite sports, fueled by societal expectations of unwavering resilience, inhibits athletes from expressing their struggles. This paper explores the optimal approach to encouraging professional athletes to voice their PTSD experiences through a comprehensive review from legal, psychological, economic, and societal perspectives. Legally, coaches hold a "duty of care" to protect their athletes, positioning them as primary facilitators for mental health discussions. However, psychological limitations exist as coaches often lack adequate mental health training, which can strain their work-life balance. While hiring therapists offers professional support, it is economically unfeasible for all teams due to revenue disparities in professional sports leagues. Moreover, societal stigma remains a critical barrier, suggesting that digital media campaigns may address public perceptions but risk potential backlash, as evidenced by the response to Simone Biles's openness during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Despite these challenges, the intervention of coaches, who athletes trust and feel comfortable with, emerges as the most viable solution. This approach, while not without its drawbacks, promotes a supportive environment for athletes to discuss PTSD, fostering a safer and more understanding sports culture.