Overcoming Post-Olympic Depression: Strategies and Support for Athletes

After returning home from the Olympics, many athletes experience a phenomenon known as post-Olympic depression. This intense emotional and psychological state can be caused by a variety of factors, including high levels of pressure, scrutiny, and adrenaline that athletes face during the competition.

Performance psychologist Michael Gervais, who hosts the Finding Mastery podcast, discusses this issue in detail. He explains that the sudden return to normal life after such an intense and focused period can leave athletes feeling lost, empty, and unsure of their identity outside of their sport.

Gervais emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seeking support for post-Olympic depression, as ignoring these feelings can lead to long-term mental health issues. Self-care is also crucial for athletes to help them transition back to everyday life after the Olympics. Gervais encourages athletes to seek help from mental health professionals if they are struggling with post-Olympic depression.

By raising awareness about this phenomenon and providing strategies for coping with it, Gervais hopes to help athletes navigate the difficult transition period after returning from the international competition.