Depression…a threat to participants in the Paris Olympics

Many sports psychologists believe that there is a large number of cases of depression that are not seen among the participants of the Paris Olympics of 2024, since such issues are still controversial topics.

Psychologist Marion Soprizio told the German news agency DPA: It’s like a famous example, the tip of the iceberg we see a few people talking about it, but you don’t see the crowd.

Suprizio, an expert at the German Sports University in Cologne, pointed out that there are many options that can help prevent people from falling into such situations after the Olympics.

Sulprizio explained: Psychology and sports psychology have a lot to offer and do preventive work. It is important for athletes to mentally prepare for what is to come. Programs are already in place, but the use is not yet perfect, but there is room for improvement.

Athletes are increasingly talking about their mental health problems after the Olympics, but many of them may not be aware of their problems.

Solprizio explained: Post-Olympic depression is an unheard of issue for many athletes. But so are many mental illnesses, and many feel very intimidated by the stigma.

The public became aware of this when American swimming legend, Michael Phelps, spoke about his struggles with depression after he finished competing in each Olympic Games, starting with the Athens in 2004.

When a superstar like Phelps announced that he had depression, it revealed that the world’s top athletes were not immune to post-Olympic depression, but also it appears that inexperienced athletes are most at risk.

Uli Knapp, coach of German long-distance runner Malaika Mihambo, said: Athletes participating in the Olympic Games for the first time fall into the trap very quickly.

Knapp noted: Experienced athletes know what to expect, while beginners feel overwhelmed by the big event that the Olympics represent.