In recent years, the conversation around mental health in sports has taken center stage, transforming how athletes define strength. When tennis superstar Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open to prioritize her well-being, she ignited global discussions about the emotional toll of performance pressure. When Simone Biles chose self-care over medals at the Tokyo Olympics, she became a symbol of strength for millions. When Michael Phelps spoke candidly about his depression after retirement, he reminded the world that even those who appear invincible can struggle in silence.
These moments did more than make headlines: they validated the experiences of countless people facing pressure in their own lives. From students managing coursework and family obligations to professionals balancing deadlines and expectations, the mental strain of “performing” is universal. What’s unfolding in sports is reshaping how we talk about mental health across every corner of society
Athletes as Catalysts for Cultural Change
For decades, athletes were expected to embody resilience — to “push through” rather than speak out. Discussions of anxiety, depression, or burnout were often dismissed as distractions from performance. But the rise of social media has intensified both the visibility of athletes and the weight of public scrutiny. With every game, post, or comment, athletes are exposed to an always-on feedback loop that can amplify stress and self-doubt.
Yet this same visibility has become a tool for cultural change. When high-profile figures use their platforms to share their experiences, they redefine vulnerability as a form of strength. Their openness sends a clear message: mental health is not a weakness, but a critical part of human performance — and human experience. As these stories move beyond athletic endeavors and press conferences, they shift stigma, normalizing what earlier generations were taught to suppress.
Lessons for Students and Working Professionals
The challenges that athletes face under pressure mirror those of everyday people juggling competing priorities. Students returning to school later in life, parents balancing work and family, and Veterans transitioning into new careers all experience their own versions of a “game day.”
At institutions like ours, where many learners are working adults, parents, and service members, these lessons resonate deeply. Students often face high-performance expectations in multiple roles at once — professional, caregiver, and scholar. The same resilience athletes demonstrate under pressure mirrors the perseverance required to succeed in higher education while managing real-world responsibilities.
The lessons emerging from sports extend beyond the athletic community. Early education and intervention are critical. Open conversations facilitate understanding, and recognizing mental health as an essential component of overall success enables individuals to confront challenges with clarity and empathy. Seeking professional support and establishing appropriate boundaries represent effective strategies for managing stress before it becomes unbearable.
Just as athletes train their minds and bodies, we all need to train our minds to handle adversity. Building resilience doesn’t mean avoiding stress — it means learning how to stay ahead of it.
Family and Community Impact
As these conversations become more widespread, they’re also reshaping how families and communities talk about mental well-being. Where silence was once normalized, there’s now greater openness: parents discussing stress with their children, schools investing in mental health programming, and workplaces offering employee support resources. When families, peers, and workplaces model openness, it helps normalize seeking help early rather than waiting for a crisis.
Every conversation matters. When families talk about mental health the same way they discuss physical health, they make it safer for students and professionals alike to be honest about what they’re feeling.
Supportive environments, whether at home, in classrooms, or at work, play a crucial role in improving outcomes. Social connectedness can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while also supporting problem-solving and academic performance.
The Role of Higher Education
Universities are uniquely positioned to help sustain this growing cultural shift. Through research, education, and counseling services, higher education institutions play an essential role in normalizing mental health support.
Our faculty integrate evidence-based practices and real-world experience into coursework that emphasizes empathy, resilience, and communication — skills increasingly recognized as vital across professions. The university’s model of Whole Human Education™ fosters not only academic achievement but also personal well-being, ensuring that students are supported as individuals, not just learners.
By training future educators, healthcare providers, and leaders to address mental health proactively, universities contribute to a broader social shift that values wellness as foundational to achievement. Programs that accommodate working adults, Veterans, and parents demonstrate that academic success and personal well-being can coexist — reinforcing the lesson emerging from athletes’ stories: performance and wellness are not separate pursuits but interconnected paths to lasting success.
Looking Ahead
Despite progress, challenges remain. Stigma continues to discourage many from seeking help, especially in communities where vulnerability is still viewed as weakness. Access to care, including cost, availability, and cultural fit, remains uneven across populations.
Luckily, momentum is building. Public figures are using their platforms to elevate conversations about mental health, and organizations are expanding their support systems to meet growing needs. We’re shifting into a space where athletes, entertainers, and educators speak openly about their experiences, making struggle a sign of strength rather than failure.
The continued visibility of these conversations signals lasting change. When strength is redefined by how we share, we all succeed.
Conclusion
The bravery shown by athletes like Osaka, Biles, and Phelps transcends competition. Their honesty has sparked a collective rethinking of what it means to perform, to succeed, and to care for oneself.
For students, professionals, and families, the message is clear: mental health deserves the same attention and respect as physical health. By speaking openly, seeking support early, and creating environments grounded in empathy, we can help ensure that strength becomes a shared goal, not a solitary burden.
This belief informs every aspect of our work — from how we teach and mentor to how we prepare future professionals to lead with empathy. As educators and advocates, we recognize that lasting success is not measured solely by outcomes but by well-being along the way.
