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Post Athlete Depression
Depression amongst retired athletes is more of a problem than you might think
The rate of depression among retired athletes may be higher than that of the general population. The prevalence can vary depending on the study population and criteria used to define depression. For example, one study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2013 found that 26% of retired elite athletes experienced post athlete depression. Another study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology in 2019 found that retired athletes had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to non-athletes. Retired athletes may face unique challenges that can contribute to the development of depression. These challenges include loss of identity, loss of purpose, financial stress, loss of social support, and changes in physical activity levels.
Looking closer at the challenges of post athlete depression
Identity
Athletes who perform at the highest level of sport often form a strong sense of self through their sport. They focus on their one sport of choice to perform at the highest level possible. All the while their non-athlete peers may develop a more diverse sense of identity through hobbies, social activities, and studies. This can limit the athlete’s varied experience of life through important stages of development. When athletes separate from their sport, they may struggle with a sense of purposelessness, lack of direction, and experience difficulty in answering common questions like “who are you” and “what do you do,” causing symptoms of post athlete depression. Navigating this challenge to their identity can be especially difficult for athletes.
Career
Only a small fraction of athletes earn enough money to retire comfortably after their sporting career ends. This means that many retired athletes must figure out what to do for a second career. Starting a new career is challenging for anyone, let alone an individual who has dedicated themselves to sport. If an athlete went to college, their sport demands may have dominated their focus, which means they may have missed out on the academic side of the college experience. This can make it even harder for them to transition to a second career.
Support
Elite athletes have a demanding schedule of competition, practicing, workout sessions, attending team meetings, reviewing game tapes, etc. Due to this, athletes often form close relationships with their teammates, coaches, trainers, and other support staff. As a member of a sports team, athletes are automatically provided a support system of teammates and support staff. This means that they may miss out on the opportunities to develop skills necessary for finding and building healthy relationships.
When an athlete’s career ends, they may find themselves feeling lonely and struggling to form new relationships because they lack the necessary skills. Additionally, they may miss the close camaraderie they experienced in their sport. The support network of a retired athlete may not understand why someone who has accomplished so much and is seen as a role model is experiencing post athlete depression.
Health
Elite level athletes often devote the majority of their time to rigorous training and strict dietary requirements in order to perform at their best. However, when their sports career comes to an end, they may find it difficult to adjust to a less active lifestyle. Some former athletes may completely abandon exercise and their diet, no longer having the same motivation to maintain their previous level of discipline. Others may struggle with physical changes to their body, as they no longer maintain the same level of intensity in their training and diet. Additionally, retired athletes may experience pain as a result of the physical strain put on their body during their sports career.
Retired athletes may find themselves struggling with a lack of adrenaline, which can be a difficult experience after spending years performing at an elite level. Adrenaline is a hormone that is produced by the body in response to stress and physical exertion, and it can be addictive. Many athletes become accustomed to the rush of adrenaline that comes with competing and may find it challenging to replicate that feeling in other areas of life. This can lead to boredom, restlessness, and even depression. Retired athletes may turn to risky behaviors, such as extreme sports or substance abuse, to try to recapture the rush of adrenaline that they once experienced in their sport.
Substance abuse
Retired athletes may be at an increased risk of substance abuse due to a number of factors. These can include the loss of identity and purpose that comes with the end of their athletic career, physical pain resulting from injuries sustained during their time as athletes, and the pressures of a newfound leisure lifestyle. Many athletes may have relied on substances such as painkillers to manage injuries while competing, and this can carry over into retirement. Additionally, the transition from the highly structured and controlled environment of professional sports to a more open and unstructured retirement can also increase the risk of substance abuse issues.
Tips for managing post athlete depression
It is never too early for an athlete to start considering their future. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Foster social connections:
Make an effort to connect with old friends, family members, former teammates, and practice building new relationships. A particular focus in connecting with other retired athletes may help serve as coaches through the transition period. Social connections are critical for mental well-being.
Address feelings of grief:
Grief is a normal part of any significant transition, and it’s normal to feel a sense of loss when transitioning away from such a significant part of your life. Take time to reflect on your relationship with the sport, including both positive and negative aspects. Consider ways to be grateful for the sport and new opportunities that are available to you as a former athlete. See our grief counseling services for more info.
Stay active:
Even if your preferred sport is no longer an option, find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Exercise is an effective way to boost mood and reduce stress. Consider trying out new activities or working with a personal trainer to find new ways to move your body.
Explore new hobbies:
Consider trying out new hobbies or activities that you have always been interested in but did not have time for before. Exploring new interests can be a positive way to stay engaged and connected to the world.
Practice mindfulness:
Research done by the American Medical Association in 2016 found that mindfulness meditation was as effective as antidepressant medication for treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Consider exploring mindfulness practices, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga, to help manage your emotional well-being. See our blog on mindfulness for more info.
Plan for life after sport:
Even if you are a current athlete, it is never too early to start thinking about what your life will look like after sport. Start exploring career options, furthering your education, or exploring other interests. Planning for the future can help you feel more in control and prepared for what comes next.
Looking for more help with post athlete depression?
Neumo offers post athlete depression counseling services. Click the button below to find out more.