French athletes competing in the Olympic Games of Paris They will receive greater protection for their mental health, mainly in relation to cyberbullying and abuse.
The Minister of Sports of France, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, and the Secretary of State for Digital Affairs, Marina Ferrari, have discussed how to guarantee the protection of mental health during the event to be held from July 26 to August 11, as well as the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.
Oudéa-Castéra highlighted the continued threat that cyberbullying poses to the mental health of society in general, a risk that he says is magnified when athletes are continually in the spotlight.
“Athletes, like many of our citizens, are exposed to these risks”he declared. “We will implement the tools to help our athletes, but also our young people and all the people of France.”
The National Institute of Sport, Competition and Performance (INSEP) of France carried out a study that showed that the fifteen% of athletes have presented a high level of anxiety or depression, and that the first symptoms of difficulties appear at an average age of 17 years.
The risk factors, as such, are well known. They include being away from family for long periods, pressure from fans, expectations from sponsors, backlash from upset bettors losing their bets, fear of failure, and the constant pressure to get results. These factors are magnified by constant exposure on social networks.
So a plan was put together to provide better mental health protection.
Starting in June, the Frace.sport website, dedicated to top-level athletes, will have a section “Santé Mentale” (mental health), which they can access. It has a guide with practical advice and a self-assessment questionnaire. It also provides access to a psychologist recommended by INSEP. These services will remain in force after the Olympic Games conclude and will also be available to coaches.
INSEP will also work together with other sporting bodies in France on a campaign to raise awareness of mental health risks among athletes.
The French Sports Agency is collaborating with other agencies to find ways to develop and support the profession of Mental Coach – someone who works closely with athletes to help them with their mental preparation to improve their performance.
In the Olympic Village, in the suburb of Saint-Denis, there will be a protection officer for the French Olympic and Paralympic delegation, as well as three welfare officers (trained psychologists) during the event. They will provide assistance to athletes and staff members who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health and, if necessary, they will be able to mobilize to support athletes who are not within the main village
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Source: Gestion
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