Breaking the Silence: Athletes in Montreal Suffering With Their Mental Health

Athletes are frequently viewed as strong, resilient individuals who are capable of pushing their bodies to the limits in order to accomplish their goals. The reality, however, is that mental health issues are common among people from all walks of life, including athletes. More specifically, in Montreal, numerous athletes have faced mental health challenges, but the stigma surrounding mental health in sports often keeps these struggles hidden.

How Many Athletes in Canada Have Had Mental Health Problems?

According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport (CCMHS), approximately 35% of athletes experience anxiety or depression during their athletic careers. The same study also revealed that athletes are less likely to seek support for their mental health in comparison to the general population. This could be due to the fear of appearing weak, the lack of access to appropriate resources and the stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports. Numerous athletes in Montreal have struggled with mental health issues including Eugenie Bouchard, Clint Malarchuk and David Richer. While some high-profile cases have brought attention to this issue, it is important to recognize that many athletes may be struggling in silence. To learn more about their stories, see our other blog post, "Speaking Up: Athletes in Montreal and their Mental Health Struggles".

Supporting Mental Health in the Montreal Sports Community

Whether an athlete plays sports recreationally or professionally, it is crucial for them to prioritize their mental health and to seek help when needed. It is important to recognize that mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness, and seeking help is an important step towards healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental issues, there are resources such as the Montreal Athlete Mental Health Foundation (MAMHF) who are here to help. MAMHF offers multiple mental health resources for athletes, including counseling services, information on crisis lines, and other online resources.

Breaking the silence surrounding mental health in sports is vital in order to ensure that athletes receive the support they need to thrive both on and off the field. Let’s work together to support the mental health of athletes in Montreal and beyond. See our "Join the Movement" page to learn more on how you can help.