In recent years, the topic of mental health in elite athletes has gained significant attention. High-pressure environments and the constant need to perform at their best have been known to take a toll on an athlete’s mental well-being. While more discussions are being held on this subject, there is still a long way to go since athletes are often expected to be mentally strong without receiving adequate support.

Athletes face numerous challenges that can lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These include injuries, performance fluctuations, criticism from fans and coaches, financial pressures, and personal issues. These factors affect not only the performance of an athlete but also their overall quality of life. Ignoring these concerns can cause further damage and even result in career-ending outcomes.

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has been very outspoken about mental health and the way he approaches it.

“The stigma around is really absurd,” said the English player at the press conference of the Three Lions team concentration.

Chilwell openly admitted that he had been talking to someone about mental health for several years now and stated that he had seen very positive effects on his quality of life. “The way he has helped me makes me think that he can help anyone, but it is necessary that the taboos around this subject are something that needs to disappear at some point.”

The player confessed that he had a bad time when he could not participate in the Mudno Cup.

“Mentally, it’s quite a challenge. Every footballer goes through periods in their careers where things are tough mentally, and you have to be resilient, be strong, get through it, and come out stronger on the other side. That’s the way I tried see things, like the injuries I had and missing the World Cup.

“I’m trying to make it a positive situation so that I can improve mentally and physically so that when I play again, I’m ready to help Chelsea and help England as well.”