Mental health in sports: a priority in athlete development

The world of sports, particularly football, has traditionally been associated with glory, money, and fame. However, behind that image of success and triumph, complex realities hide that affect the mental health of athletes. In recent times, the importance of addressing this issue has been highlighted, both locally and internationally, as expressed by Alianza Atlético player Horacio Benincasa, who spoke out in a press conference about the lack of attention to the emotional problems of athletes in Peru. The courage of figures like Brazilian footballer Richarlison in openly discussing his post-World Cup depression and the recent case of the Peruvian national team, with the decision not to call up Alex Valera for personal reasons, have brought to light the need to address the mental health of athletes in a more serious and comprehensive manner. The impact of the pandemic has further emphasized the importance of caring for emotional health in all areas of society, including sports. Despite the efforts of some clubs in the Liga 1 to have professionals in sports psychology, such as Alianza Lima, Sporting Cristal, César Vallejo, and Cienciano, others like Universitario and Sport Boys lack this fundamental resource for the well-being of their players. The lack of specific regulations in Peruvian football regarding the mandatory presence of a sports psychologist in teams reflects a lack of attention to the mental health of athletes. CONMEBOL's proposal to include these professionals in First Division teams is a step in the right direction, but much remains to be done at the local level. Experts in sports psychology such as Mario Reyes Bossio and Luis Gómez Correa have emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health of athletes as an integral part of their overall well-being. The pressure, constant competition, travel, and physical and emotional demands that high-performance athletes face can trigger serious problems if they are not given the appropriate attention. At the Peruvian Institute of Sport (IPD), a sports psychology service has been implemented to assist federated athletes, but demand exceeds supply, especially during important competitions like the Pan American and Olympic Games. The work of these specialists is crucial for detecting indicators of possible emotional disorders and providing the necessary support to athletes. Lack of economic resources in some cases prevents athletes from accessing the support of a sports psychologist, as mentioned by marathon runner Luz Mery Rojas, who recognizes the importance of this professional in her athletic life but cannot afford one due to economic limitations. This is an area where clubs and federations must intervene to ensure the comprehensive well-being of their athletes. The conversation about mental health in sports has progressed in recent years, but much remains to be done in terms of awareness, prevention, and concrete action. Athletes are not money-making machines; they are human beings with emotions and needs that must be addressed so that they can perform at their best in their discipline. In a scenario like Paris 2024, where the participation of Peruvian athletes in various disciplines is expected, it is essential to strengthen the work on the mental health of athletes so that they can face challenges with the necessary peace of mind and strength. Mental health should not be a taboo subject in sports but a priority in the training and development of athletes, from early ages to the elite level, as an integral part of their performance and well-being.