As more athletes open up about their struggles with mental health, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is ramping up its efforts to provide support to its athletes ahead of the Paris 2024 games. In 2023, around 1,200 athletes received mental health services from the USOPC, with the youngest athlete being 12 years old and the oldest 54. Jessica Bartley, Senior Director of Psychologic Services at the USOPC, oversees the mental health program and resources available to athletes. Bartley, who is also an athlete, has helped develop a comprehensive mental health program that includes 14 full-time mental health staff and a mental health registry with around 300 vetted providers available to athletes.
The USOPC offers various ways for athletes to access mental health services, including a 24/7 phone line, email address, and a referral link available through QR codes in Olympic training centers. Common mental health challenges faced by athletes include sleep concerns, disordered eating, and RED-S. In response, the USOPC has developed programming and education to address these issues and provide support to athletes. This includes individual and group options, support groups, and a program for injured athletes. One of the most popular programs is the de-selection program, which focuses on helping athletes transition out after being cut from the team.
Education plays a crucial role in addressing mental health at the USOPC, with the goal of normalizing conversations around mental health and destigmatizing it. Bartley notes that the psychological services department has received positive feedback for the diversity of options available to athletes. Looking ahead to the Paris games, the USOPC will focus on sleep hygiene and ensuring the accessibility of mental health resources and support. Bartley has traveled to Paris to finalize mental health emergency action plans and ensure that appropriate resources are in place. The USOPC is setting a high standard for athlete mental health support through its diverse offerings and resources.
In conclusion, the USOPC is making strides in providing mental health support to its athletes, with a focus on normalizing conversations around mental health and providing a variety of resources to address common challenges. As more athletes speak out about their struggles, the USOPC is taking proactive steps to ensure that athletes have access to the support they need. With the Paris 2024 games on the horizon, the USOPC is placing a high emphasis on mental health resources and support to help athletes perform at their best both on and off the field.
