Black Athletes and Mental Health
This year, with the Tokyo Olympics, the mental health of athletes has been discussed at a new level. Even before the Olympics, athletes began to open up about their mental health. Earlier in the year, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to prioritize her mental health, which drew significant criticism. It was viewed by many as strange for an athlete at such a level to take themselves out of competition. This does not mean that African American athletes do not struggle with mental health – rather that there has been minimal willingness in the past to speak up about these subjects. Many athletes do not feel that they have the right to advocate for themselves and their mental health (Adams).
With the Summer Olympics, athletes, especially Black athletes began to speak up about their mental health in ways that had not been done before, and new discussions were prompted about the role of mental health in athletics. For example, star sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson was banned from competing in Tokyo after testing positive for THC. Richardson revealed that she had used marijuana to cope mentally with the death of her biological mother. Richardson's transparency with her struggles further revealed to the public the difficulties of juggling mental health, pressure, and expectations as a professional athlete (Adams). Simone Biles and Noah Lyles have also been vocal about their mental health at the Olympics. According to Dr. Caroline M. Brackette, a licensed counselor and professor in Mercer University’s College of Health Professions, the rise in mental health advocacy among Black athletes reflects the decrease in the stigma around mental health in society as a whole, with social media also playing a large role (Adams). Even though these athletes are not the first to speak about mental health, Dr. Brackette also suggested that for Black female athletes, the intersections of their identities as athletes, women, and African Americans has even more potential to influence people in communities in which speaking about mental health is discouraged (Beachum). Black female athletes much contend with the "strong black woman" stereotype, which expects them to simply push through their struggles with no complaints. Being Black, they face the risk of health disparities and police brutality. Being women, they are at increased risk of sexual assault. There is already so much pressure riding on the shoulders of Black women – imagine being a world-renowned athlete on top of that (Morrison, Aaron, et al.). The dismissal of Black women's wellness is no new phenomenon, and it shows in the maternal mortality rate of Black women, workplace earnings, and more (Morrison, Aaron, et al.). Other Black athletes, such as Simone Manuel and Raven Saunders have also opened up about their mental health struggles. Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Simone Manuel spoke about struggling with overtraining syndrome, along with suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Saunders, who does shot put, revealed that she considered suicide and underwent treatment in a mental health facility (Adams). Learn more:
What can we learn from these athletes about self-care? Read this article by NPR. |
The glare is even hotter for these Black women given that, after years of sacrifice and preparation, they are expected to perform, to be strong, to push through. They must work harder for the recognition and often are judged more harshly than others when they don’t meet the public’s expectations" (Morrison, Aaron, et al.). |
Learn More of Their Stories:
Simone Biles
Sha'Carri Richardson:
Raven Saunders:
Simone Manuel:
Naomi Osaka:
Noah Lyles:
Sha'Carri Richardson:
- "The women’s 100 meters might be the biggest track event in Tokyo. But someone’s missing." (The Washington Post)
- U.S. sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson suspended for one month after failed drug test (NBC)
Raven Saunders:
- 'I belong here': Raven Saunders battles depression for shot at Tokyo crown (Olympics.com)
- Depression drove her close to suicide. Now, Olympian Raven Saunders wants to 'destigmatize mental health' (CNN)
Simone Manuel:
- Olympian Simone Manuel puts spotlight on Black women and burnout (Good Morning America)
Naomi Osaka:
- Naomi Osaka opens up about mental health, urges "measures to protect athletes, especially the fragile ones" (CBS)
- Naomi Osaka: 'It's O.K. Not to Be O.K.' (TIME)
- Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open highlights how mental health ranks below physical health (PBS)
Noah Lyles:
- "After earning a bronze medal, Noah Lyles opens up about mental health and the challenges of the past year." (The Washington Post)
- "Noah Lyles won bronze in the 200 meters. Then he let everything out." (The Washington Post)
- ‘I Am Not Defined By Being an Olympic Bronze Medalist.' Noah Lyles Has an Important Message on Mental Health (TIME)