Australian athletes are speaking an uncomfortable truth: mental health matters just as much as physical health.

The relationship between sport participation and psychological wellbeing has emerged as a crucial area of interest, with more and more evidence demonstrating sport's profound impact on positive mental health outcomes.

Though the cost of competing can contribute towards poor mental health—particularly at the elite level—the tides seem to be changing, as these issues continue to be addressed in sports clubs around Australia.

From reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression to fostering social connections, the therapeutic potential of sport continues to gain recognition. You can read more in our Giving For Sport 2024 report.

At ASF, we’re looking forward to a future that celebrates the benefits of sport on society as a whole.

Financial Strain and Its Impact on Athlete Wellbeing

Research conducted as part of Running On Empty found that 28% of athletes experienced worsening of mental health in the last year alone.

Between 2018 and 2022, there was an 11% increase in the amount of athletes seeking mental health treatment. During this period over a quarter of athletes reported experiencing anxiety or depression.

In fact, athletes have been shown to experience difficulties at a higher rate than the general population. Considering the financial burden athletes face, it’s no surprise that their mental health is suffering.

Though these figures suggest a decline in the mental health of our athletes, they also reflect an uplift in the number of people proactively managing their mental wellbeing. As athletes become more open to discussing their own mental health challenges, they also positively impact the wider community by helping to reduce the stigma around mental health in Australian sports culture.

How Does Sport Affect Mental Health?

Along with improving physical health, the positive impacts of sport on mental health are numerous.

Partaking in a physical activity increases endorphins and serotonin production in the brain, offering an immediate mood-boosting effect. Not only this, but those who participate in sport or exercise experience higher sleep quality and lower stress levels, which also contribute to overall wellbeing.

The emotional benefits of physical activity extend beyond chemical responses in the brain and body, funnelling down into other aspects of life.

A key perk of sport—and particularly team sport—is the exposure to new social settings and enjoyment gained from the interactions with other people. The camaraderie felt among teams could be a large factor in the significant increase in Australian adults exercising.

Impact at a Club Level

Awareness and advocacy around mental health in sport is well and truly on the rise, and we have seen this first hand. The value of donations made to ASF campaigns supporting mental health have increased substantially, with a 39.5% increase over the past year.

So, what does all of this mean for clubs across Australia? The Australian Institute of Sport has a keen focus on “winning well”, whereby performance goals are balanced with fostering a supportive culture in clubs.

The emphasis on winning has shifted to goals of sustainable success that hold athletes’ mental health in just as high a regard as their athletic achievements. On account of this, we’re seeing a growing number of clubs developing and implementing mental fitness and wellbeing programs.

As highlighted in Giving For Sport, one example of this is New South Wales’ Merewether Greens, who held an incredibly successful fundraising event to support their newly-established Greens Assistance Program. This program provides players, coaches, and club staff with access to confidential mental health counselling services, showcasing the club’s commitment to both mental health and physical fitness.

Donate to support the Merewether Greens’ Welfare and Wellbeing program here.

Playing your Part

Getting involved in sport can have major benefits for you and your community, but finding a starting point can be tough. If you’re new to sport, start slowly and try different types and teams until you settle in where you feel most comfortable. You'll soon find out for yourself just what makes sport so special.

If you’re not quite ready for the field but want to contribute to your local sporting community’s wellbeing initiatives, take a look at some of the current campaigns fundraising through ASF.

Don’t see one that speaks to you, or looking to raise money to support mental health in your club? Start your own fundraiser today!