Mental Health in Sports: Building Stronger Teams On and Off the Field

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Behind every game-winning moment lies hidden battles, self-doubt, anxiety and fear of losing. Today, conversations about mental health in elite sports are gaining momentum as athletes and organizations alike recognize that resilience includes mental fortitude, emotional intelligence and psychological resilience.

This recognition comes as mental wellbeing emerges as one of the most pressing challenges in the business community.

Gallagher's global research into resilient organizations reveals that it's a top concern for employers, who have made emotional wellbeing their investment priority in 2025.

In this article, we explore how long overdue discussions about mental health are getting louder in sports and what other businesses can learn from the approach these high-performance organizations are taking.

Pressures in a league of their own

Through our partnerships with leading sports organizations, Gallagher has uncovered how mental health support, performance psychology and holistic wellbeing strategies are helping athletes thrive in a high-stakes and pressured environment.

These lessons provide valuable insights for business leaders seeking to cultivate resilient teams and cultures, whether in the locker room or the boardroom.

In sports, the spotlight often shines on physical prowess and performance. However, behind the scenes, athletes face a constellation of pressures.

Historically, mental health in sports was stigmatized, misunderstood and often ignored. This neglect had lasting consequences, particularly for young males, who remain one of the loneliest demographic groups. ¹

However, the narrative is shifting, thanks in part to the stories shared by high-profile athletes. There's growing recognition that wellbeing needs to be approached holistically, encompassing not just physical health, but also mental wellbeing, financial and social dimensions.

This whole-person perspective mirrors the evolution seen in leading workplaces, where integrated wellbeing strategies are replacing isolated interventions. Building trust and overcoming stigma remains crucial to fostering engagement and relevance.

"Trust lets our players be open and honest about their struggles — it invites them to be themselves," explains John Griffin, director of player performance for the Atlanta Falcons. "Not everyone is Superman every single day."

The stress of performing in the spotlight

Athletes perform under intense public scrutiny. Social media, fan expectations and sponsorship pressures can amplify the pressure. They also face an increased risk of injury, which can add both physical and psychological strain when athletes cope with pain and when recovery threatens career momentum.

Off the field, athletes navigate demanding travel schedules, rigid routines and the challenge of maintaining personal relationships and family life. Many begin their careers at a very young age, often before they've developed the emotional intelligence needed to cope with the pressures of professional sports.

Mental health and wellbeing programs that build emotional skills and strengthen coping strategies have proven to be highly effective, according to Dr. Troy Flanagan, vice president of performance for the Milwaukee Bucks. "Looking back 10 years from now, this may be the biggest contributor to not only our players' success in sport, but also in their lives and relationships," he explains.

The evolving approach to mental wellbeing presents an opportunity across industries to build capabilities needed to help teams navigate stress, uncertainty and change.

The playbook for engagement

Dr. Troy Flanagan, vice president of performance for the Milwaukee Bucks

Athletes engage with mental health support in different ways. Some are highly engaged and proactive, while others only become responsive once they see the value in it.

To reach each individual, teams need an omnichannel, tailored approach: one that respects athletes' preferences and meets them where they are.

This approach combines in-person coaching conversations with digital tools, mental performance training and confidential access to physicians and mental health professionals. It's about making mental health support as normalized and flexible as strength training or nutrition.

Athletes are more likely to open up when they believe their coaches and teammates genuinely care about them. Flanagan explains that "engagement grows when players understand that mental health isn't about therapy on a couch, but about practical skills — focus, communication, resilience — that directly improve their game."

Once, discussions about concussions or mental fatigue were rare, but now most teams have clinicians and performance psychologists integrated into their organizations.

This new culture also extends beyond the locker room. From youth academies to community outreach programs, organizations are building ecosystems that value personal growth, not just athletic achievement.

A new game plan for a championship mentality

Winning teams don't just perform — they celebrate each other's wins, hold one another accountable and share a deep sense of purpose. This winning mindset is what turns talented individuals into resilient teams.

Sports organizations now view mental and emotional support as a competitive advantage. They know teams that invest in the human element — leadership development, trust-building and psychological skills — consistently outperform those that don't.

Because in the end, the strongest teams aren't just physically fit — they're mentally resilient, emotionally grounded and built on trust.

As the Falcon's Griffin says, "If we create an ecosystem where people can share that today is not a great day or it hasn't been a good week, you can have conversations that transcend strength, transcend sport — and that's where the magic happens."

Published December 2025