In recent years, the conversation around mental health in sports has shifted from something whispered about behind closed doors to a central topic of discussion. As a sports journalist with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen this shift unfold firsthand. It’s been heartening to see athletes, from rookies to superstars, open up about their struggles with mental health. However, with this newfound openness comes an enormous responsibility for those of us in sports media: to tell these stories in a way that’s honest, empathetic, and comprehensive.
When I first started covering sports, mental health was rarely discussed, let alone covered in the media. Athletes were often expected to be these invincible, almost superhuman figures—people who could push through any adversity, both physical and mental, without showing signs of weakness. To admit to struggles like anxiety or depression was often seen as a weakness, not just by fans but by athletes themselves. Now, as public awareness about mental health has increased, there’s a growing understanding that athletes are just as susceptible to these issues as anyone else. But it’s still our job as journalists to cover this topic with the care and depth it deserves.
Why Mental Health Matters in Sports
There’s a unique pressure that comes with being a professional athlete. For many athletes, their careers begin when they’re still teenagers, and the spotlight can be relentless. The stakes are incredibly high, not just for the game but for the image athletes are expected to project. The idea that you need to perform at your peak while also maintaining a sense of perfection off the field creates immense psychological pressure.
Athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Kevin Love have made headlines for prioritizing their mental health, even at the expense of competing in major events. Their decisions have sparked important conversations about the toll that sports can take on an individual’s mental well-being. These stories are crucial because they challenge outdated ideas about toughness and resilience. It’s essential that we, as journalists, tell these stories in a way that educates, raises awareness, and supports the growing understanding that mental health is as important as physical health.
Rick Saleeby has been fortunate to witness the growth of this conversation throughout my career. I’ve seen athletes become more willing to talk about their struggles, but more importantly, I’ve seen fans and the public start to recognize that mental health is an essential part of the conversation around sports. There is a shift happening, and it’s our responsibility as journalists to guide that shift in the right direction.
The Journalist’s Role: More Than Just Reporting
As journalists, we have a powerful platform, and with that platform comes responsibility. We’re not just reporting on a stat line or summarizing a game; we’re shaping how the public perceives these issues. The language we use and the stories we choose to tell can have a profound impact on the dialogue around mental health.
When reporting on mental health issues in sports, one of the key responsibilities is to avoid sensationalizing the subject. It’s easy to take an athlete’s vulnerability and turn it into a headline that will grab attention. But in doing so, we run the risk of reducing an incredibly complex issue to something that feels like tabloid fodder. Our job is to provide context and understanding, to help readers and viewers grasp why mental health matters, and to respect the athletes who are brave enough to speak out.
It’s also important for us to go beyond the individual story. While an athlete opening up about their personal experience can make for compelling coverage, we need to connect these stories to the larger issue. What are the structural problems within sports that might contribute to poor mental health? How do things like media pressure, fan expectations, and the grueling nature of training and competition affect athletes on a psychological level? By asking these broader questions, we can provide more meaningful coverage that goes beyond the surface.
Approaching Mental Health Stories with Care
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is that it’s essential to approach stories about mental health with care and sensitivity. Athletes are people first, and their struggles should be treated with the same dignity and respect we would offer to anyone. When covering these stories, it’s important to listen—to really listen—when athletes talk about what they’re going through.
Journalists should be asking thoughtful, compassionate questions rather than probing for sensational soundbites. If an athlete chooses to share their story, it’s a privilege for us to help tell it. But we also have to remember that it’s not our story; it’s theirs. Ensuring that we give them control over how their experience is shared is crucial.
Rick Saleeby has always believed that the most important part of journalism is the human element. When covering mental health, it’s essential to bring out that humanity and remind audiences that the people they watch on the field or court are more than just their performances. They have lives, struggles, and vulnerabilities, just like everyone else.
The Impact of Media on Public Perception
The media plays a significant role in shaping how the public views mental health. When we cover mental health stories in sports with accuracy and empathy, we contribute to breaking down the stigma that has long surrounded these issues. Conversely, if we sensationalize or trivialize these stories, we can reinforce harmful stereotypes.
One of the most important things we can do as journalists is to normalize conversations about mental health. The more we talk about it, the less taboo it becomes. By highlighting the stories of athletes who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, we’re helping to show that it’s okay to not be okay—and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The impact of mental health stories isn’t just limited to the sports world. Athletes are role models, and when they speak out about mental health, it resonates far beyond the locker room. Fans see their favorite athletes being open and vulnerable, and it encourages them to reflect on their own mental health. That’s the real power of these stories—they can change lives.
Conclusion: Telling the Full Story
As sports journalists, we’re in a unique position to shape how mental health is perceived within the world of sports and beyond. The way we tell these stories can either contribute to the growing understanding of mental health or reinforce the stigma that still surrounds it. It’s a responsibility that I, Rick Saleeby, don’t take lightly.
Telling the full story means going beyond the highlights and getting to the heart of the human experience. It means listening, showing empathy, and ensuring that athletes’ voices are heard, not just their performances. By doing so, we can continue to move the conversation forward and ensure that mental health gets the attention it deserves in the world of sports.