The Mental Health of Swiss Elite Athletes

Mental health is an important topic in competitive sports, but there only limited data from Switzerland. Although mental a prominent topic, it difficult to estimate the efforts of Swiss sports federations promote health. A representative sample athletes (N = 1003, Mage 21.69, SDage 7.09, 54% women, 37% team 10% injured) answered questions about symptoms problems and their well-being. We also asked extent basic need satisfaction perceived organizational support. Overall, numbers on (17% depression, anxiety, 22% eating disorders, 18% sleep disorders) well-being are comparable other elite sport samples general population. However, we found large group differences. For example, 52% women were affected by at least one disorder symptom, compared with 30% men athletes. Injured most terms depressive symptoms. The study shows that frustration conjunction demographic factors related problems. Furthermore, more support perceive federations, better conclude substantial proportion disorders measures needed improve this situation, for example through supporting setting.