— Athletes Now Have More Mental Health Resources and Are Embracing Them More Than Ever

Lydia Jacoby made waves for Team USA during the last Summer Olympics, securing a stunning gold in the 100-meter breaststroke and a silver in a relay. One thing she recalls from that electrifying time in Tokyo? "People discussing post-Olympic depression," she shared.

At just 17, when fellow athletes mentioned it, Jacoby thought to herself: "That's not something I'll need to worry about."

"I really didn't comprehend what depression was," she reflected. "It wasn't until after the Olympics that I thought, 'Oh...okay. Now I get it. Yeah, I'm experiencing this a bit.'"

Although Jacoby won’t be part of the 2024 Olympics, she’s now fully cognizant of the emotional weight many athletes face after the games. She’s not only been through it but regularly speaks about her experiences now. This, in itself, highlights just how far the conversation around mental health has come in recent years.

As the Paris Games are set to kick off on Friday, followed by the Paralympics on August 28, athletes have unprecedented access to support systems for mental health—an area that was once off-limits in many ways. Not only that, but athletes seem more prepared and willing to engage with these resources. This is significant, especially considering that, according to Jessica Bartley, PsyD, head of psychological services for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), about half of the athletes from the past two Games dealt with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to sleep disorders, eating problems, and even substance struggles.

"We've become part of regular discussions now," said Bartley, "and no longer an afterthought for when someone's in crisis."

The big questions, though, remain: Will every athlete in need seek help? And are enough resources available?

Regarding the first, Bartley commented, "I'd love to think we've made it past the stigma, but we're not quite there yet. There's still some hesitation. There's still that old association with 'weakness,'"

As for help availability? "There could always be more," said track star Gabby Thomas, "but, to be honest, the support is there."

Olympians Like Biles, Osaka, and Phelps Helped Shift the Dialogue

Three Olympians stand out for opening up the mental health conversation both in sports and beyond: Simone Biles, who returned despite the pandemic delays for the last Games; tennis star Naomi Osaka, who will be competing again; and retired swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Phelps has been open about his own struggles, including suicidal thoughts at the peak of his career. He even co-produced a documentary tackling depression among Olympic athletes and famously called for more action from both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the USOPC to better support competitors’ mental health.

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner and former world No. 1, has shared her ongoing battles with anxiety and depression. She was among the first sports stars to openly prioritize her mental well-being by taking breaks from competition—paving the way for others to do the same.

Reflecting on the impact of athletes sharing their stories, Osaka said, "When I heard Biles and Phelps speak, I felt 'very heard.' I'm sure so many athletes felt the same way. It didn't seem like a sign of weakness anymore, and I think that's progress."

Biles, who has redefined gymnastics excellence with seven Olympic medals, took a bold step in Tokyo by withdrawing from events due to a mental block known as "the twisties"—a widely understood phenomenon within gymnastics that made even routine moves exceptionally dangerous.

That Biles provided such candid explanations on the world’s biggest stage only amplified her impact on other athletes.

"She didn't have to do that," said WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart. "But she used her platform to help others."

Canoe sprinter Nevin Harrison, a gold medalist in Tokyo, noted that Biles’ openness resonated deeply, especially for those who face enormous pressure.

"Anxiety, fear, stress... you can't avoid those at this level," Harrison said. Biles' actions showed that it is possible to find a way through.

Boxer Morelle McCane added, "I've been in that headspace before, thinking 'It's do or die!'"

How Are Things Different for Today’s Olympians?

Janet Evans, a swimming legend with four gold medals from the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, recalls the relentless stress. Back then, as she describes it, there wasn't the same compassion or support systems available for athletes.

"Nobody really talked about these struggles. No one told me it was okay to lose," Evans said. "I was Janet Evans—I was supposed to win every time I stepped up to the blocks." As the chief athlete officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Evans recognizes today’s athletes have a very different environment, and she considers that a necessary shift. "Acknowledging the issue, that's a crucial first step."

Perry Baker, a 38-year-old rugby player, has also noticed how much things have altered since his 2016 Olympic debut in Rio.

"In the past, you'd just tough it out, feel alone, and think you couldn't talk to anyone," said Baker, who briefly played for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.

Balancing a responsibility to support athletes as individuals with the constant drive to win medals is a "fine line," Evans admitted.

"Of course, we should aim to win at the Olympics and Paralympics. But not at the expense of how we're preparing our athletes for life after the Games," Evans noted. "You can do both."

That's where Bartley and others, including professionals at the IOC, come in.

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics marked the first where extra credentials allowed national teams to bring along officers directly responsible for athlete welfare—qualified mental health professionals or safeguards. This year in Paris, more than 170 officers from over 90 countries will be on-site.

"We didn't have this in Tokyo, but it will now be standard for every Games," said Kirsty Burrows, the head of a specialized IOC unit for mental health. "We can already see just how impactful it's been."

Additionally, a 24/7 helpline, staffed by multilingual counselors (over 70 languages) and first introduced at the Beijing Games, will now be available to all Olympians and Paralympians for up to four years after their competition. Innovations like AI tools that scan social media for cyberbullying and dedicated "mind zones"—spaces designed for relaxation and decompression in the athletes' village—are also part of the plan.

At the USOPC, mental health support has expanded from six providers three and a half years ago to 15 today, and 14 of them will be in Paris. Just last year, Team USA athletes booked over 6,000 therapy sessions through USOPC channels. Bartley expects that number to only rise during an Olympic year.

"We're prepared for more," Bartley concluded.