Dear Athletes, Coaches, ATCs, Families & Friends of Athletes,

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Neglected mental health issues can have severe consequences, adversely impacting one's quality of life, hindering academic and professional pursuits, fostering substance misuse and criminal involvement, promoting self-harm, eating disorders, and even leading to suicide. Seeking timely and suitable treatment is paramount, as it serves as a crucial preventive measure against such repercussions, benefiting individuals, their loved ones, and society as a whole.

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In light of recent findings, it has become evident that athletes face a greater likelihood of grappling with mental health challenges compared to the general population. Unfortunately, the availability of suitable medical resources for this vulnerable group remains insufficient and inadequate. Studies indicate that athletes are particularly susceptible to traumatic stress disorders, which can be triggered or unveiled by experiences of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect. Consequently, mental health concerns such as suicidality, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, violence, and substance use/abuse may emerge or intensify. Addressing these issues through comprehensive and tailored support is paramount in safeguarding the wellbeing and performance of athletes.

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When an athlete encounters a sports injury, they must confront a multitude of physical and psychological obstacles. Beyond the potential termination of their athletic career, a physical injury can inflict lasting traumatic psychological disorders. However, the realm of identifying and treating mental illness in athletes remains insufficiently explored. In light of the growing demand for mental health support tailored to athletes, few physicians possess the necessary expertise to offer regular, consistent, and comprehensive care. Regrettably, even in scenarios where universities or elite sports organizations are involved, athletes with mental illnesses frequently encounter barriers to accessing the treatment they require, due to financial limitations and inadequate provisions.