Sports Editor Bill Schmitz looks at the relationship between sport and men’s mental health, and how small conversations in sporting spaces can make a big difference.
November is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to look at how sport can shape our mental wellbeing. While this month focuses on men, mental health affects everyone involved in sport; players, coaches, officials and supporters. Understanding how pressure, culture and support systems work in sport helps to explain both the risks and benefits that come with it.
The Scale of the Issue
Research from Sport Ireland shows that almost 40% of athletes report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression at some stage in their careers. Factors such as injury, poor performances or the transition away from sport are among the biggest triggers. The International Olympic Committee have argued that elite athletes are less likely to seek help due to stigma or fear of losing selection opportunities.
Suicide is one of Ireland’s most serious public health concerns. According to the Central Statistics Office, around 80% of people who die by suicide are men. The highest risk among those men are aged between 25 and 44. Internationally, studies by the World Health Organisation show that young men are the least likely to access mental health services. The combination of stigma, pressure and a culture of endurance (often reinforced in sport) make intervention difficult.
It is also estimated that one in eight people live with a diagnosable mental health condition. Depression alone affects more than 280 million people worldwide. Sport can be both a protective and stressful factor. Physical activity improves mood and resilience, however the pressure to perform can create problems if left unaddressed.
What Has Been Done
Over the past decade, mental health has become an official part of the sporting world in Ireland. National organisations such as Sport Ireland, the GAA, the FAI and Rowing Ireland have all introduced wellbeing programmes.
Rowing Ireland and the FAI have introduced mental health workshops and partnered with Pieta House to train coaches in recognising early signs of stress. UCD Sport also provides mental health first aid training for committee members, ensuring that students know where to direct teammates who need help. These small systems of support can be the foundation of change.
At the elite level, the Olympic Federation of Ireland launched the Mind Matters framework. The programme focuses on prevention and early intervention instead of crisis response. It integrates sports psychology and wellbeing education into athlete support systems. It also provides a smoother transitional support for retiring athletes during a time when loss of structure and identity can make former professionals more vulnerable.
The public figures of the professional sporting world have begun to confront the stigma. Tyson Fury’s public recovery from depression and addiction demonstrated how openness can save lives. Ben Stokes and Adam Peaty both stepped back from competing to focus on their mental health. In Ireland, rugby and GAA players have backed campaigns such as Tackle Your Feelings and Movember. These initiatives educate and provide spaces for peer support.
At a grassroots and university level, the conversation continues to grow. Local teams, gyms and student clubs provide a structured, welcoming environment for thousands of young people. Yet the old culture of silence still exists. Phrases like “toughen up” or “get on with it” remain common, especially among men. Recent surveys by the Federation of Irish Sport found that one in three young male athletes still feel uncomfortable discussing mental health within their team. Breaking that pattern is a challenge the sporting world is going to have to face head on.
Why Sport Matters
Physical activity itself remains one of the strongest protective factors against poor mental health. Studies by the WHO show that people who engage in moderate exercise as little as three times a week report a 20-30% reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, these benefits heavily depend on the environment. Supportive and inclusive sporting places enhance the benefits, whereas toxic or high-pressure ones worsen the stress.
Sport blends physical activity with social connection. It gives people a sense of belonging and a shared purpose - directly combatting issues of isolation. Team sport can often become one of the few consistent social outlets in adult life. When mental health supports are built into that setting, it becomes immediately accessible and practical.
Supports and Resources
Mental health support within Irish sport continues to grow. Pieta House and Samaritans remain the main national support services providing free 24-hour assistance to anyone in distress. Many clubs now keep their contact information visible in changing rooms and on noticeboards, a small step that can make help easier to find. The Federation of Irish Sport has also launched a Wellbeing Hub, a central location for advice and resources for clubs nationwide.
In UCD, the Counselling Service and UCD Sport work together to support students involved in recreational or competitive sports. Many UCD Sports Clubs are currently fundraising for Movember.
Looking Ahead
The link between mental and physical health is now widely accepted, but continued progress depends on consistency. Awareness campaigns can create momentum, but lasting change has to come from everyday practice. Mental health being embedded into coaching qualifications and athlete education makes support a normal part of sport rather than the occasional focus.
Stigma still won’t disappear overnight. When coaches and teammates treat mental wellbeing like any other part of their preparation, it reinforces that mental health is not separate from performance and success. The goal for Irish sport over the next decade will be to ensure that every club has at least basic structures for support and education. Normalising care at every level is what will sustain change. Creating environments where players feel safe to speak up benefits everyone involved.