MENTAL HEALTH IN MULTISPORT

It is becoming increasingly recognized that the benefits of sport and physical activity on our mental health are endless: improved mood, decreased chance of depression and anxiety, reduces stress, and a better and more balanced lifestyle.

• In Canada, 1 in 5 people experience a major mental illness each year. With 7.2 million Canadians regularly engaging in sport, there could be as many as 1.4 million athletes and coaches struggling with mental health challenges each year.

• The prevalence of mental health symptoms and disorders in current elite athletes ranges from 19% for alcohol misuse to 34% for anxiety/depression.

• The prevalence of mental health symptoms and disorders in former elite athletes ranges from 16% for distress to 26% for anxiety/depression.

• Once an issue is recognized, help can make a difference for 80% of people who are affected, allowing them to get back to their regular activities

resources

• Resources from Alberta Health Services

• Resources from Alberta Sport Connection

• Canadian Center for Mental Health and Sport

• Canadian Mental Health Association

We also have a variety of resources available on the safe sport section of our website