Every day the countdown to the Paris Olympic Games it gets shorter. In order to protect its athletes in its country, France has assured that it will guarantee the protection of the mental health of French athletes competing in the Games.
The minister of French sportsAmélie Oudéa-Castéra, and the secretary of State for Digital AffairsMarina Ferrari, have discussed how to guarantee the protection of mental health during the fair to be held from July 26 to August 11, as well as the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.
How will France seek to protect the mental health of its athletes?
“Athletes, like many of our citizens, are exposed to these risks,” he declared. “We will implement the tools to help our athletes, but also our young people and all the people of France.”
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Oudéa-Castéra spoke about the continued threat that cyberbullying poses to the mental health of society at large. For athletes in a context like the Olympic Games, this risk is magnified since the spotlight is on them.
The National Institute of Sport, Competition and Performance (INSEP) of France carried out a study that showed that 15% of athletes have presented a high level of anxiety or depression, and that the first symptoms of difficulties occur at an average age of 17 years.
The risk factors, as such, are already known and among them are being away from your family for prolonged periods, pressure from fans, expectations from sponsors, the reaction of upset bettors who lose their bets, fear of failure and the constant pressure to obtain results. These factors are magnified by constant exposure on social networks.
In view of this, starting in June, the website Frace.sport, dedicated to top-level athletes, it will have a “Santé Mentale” (mental health) section, which they can access. It will have a guide with practical advice and a self-assessment questionnaire. It also provides access to a psychologist recommended by INSEP. These services will remain in force after the Olympic Games conclude and will also be available to coaches.
INSEP will also work together with other sporting bodies in France on a campaign to raise awareness of mental health risks among athletes.
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