Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community. Mental health is influenced by various factors, such as biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural ones. Mental health is not a fixed or static condition, but rather a dynamic and fluctuating one that can change over time and across different situations.

Sport is one of the most popular and influential aspects of society, with millions of people participating in various forms of physical activity, recreation, and competition. According to Sport for Life, sport can have many positive effects on mental health, such as enhancing mood, self-esteem, confidence, resilience, social skills, and physical health. Sport can also provide a sense of belonging, identity, purpose, and achievement (Source?).

However, sport can also pose some challenges and risks for mental health, especially for athletes who face high levels of pressure, expectations, and demands from themselves and others. Athletes may experience stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, eating disorders, substance abuse, or other mental health issues that can affect their performance, well-being, and quality of life. Athletes may also encounter discrimination, harassment, abuse, or violence based on their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics.

Safe spaces are environments where people feel comfortable, respected, valued, and supported to express themselves without fear of judgment or harm. Safe spaces are essential for promoting mental health and well-being in sport settings. Safe spaces can help athletes to:

• Feel accepted and appreciated for who they are: This means that athletes are not discriminated against or excluded based on their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic. Athletes are also encouraged to celebrate their diversity and uniqueness, and to respect the diversity and uniqueness of others. A resource that can help create a more inclusive and equitable sport environment is the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s guide.
• Share their thoughts and feelings openly and honestly: This means that athletes have opportunities to communicate with their teammates, coaches, officials, staff, and fans in a respectful and constructive way. Athletes are also able to express their emotions, concerns, and opinions without fear of retaliation or ridicule. A resource that can help foster effective and empathetic communication in sport is this Coaches Association of Saskatchewan’s article.
• Seek and receive help when they need it: This means that athletes have access to mental health services and supports that are appropriate for their needs and preferences. Athletes are also able to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues or disorders, and to seek help without stigma or shame. A resource that can help your organization increase mental health awareness and literacy in sport is the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport website.
• Access training and resources on mental health and sport: This means that athletes have opportunities to learn about the foundations, impacts, and strategies of mental health in sport settings. Athletes are also able to access resources and events that can help them overcome stigma and guide conversations about mental health. A resource that can help provide training and resources on mental health and sport is the CAC’s “Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub and Events”.
• Build trust and rapport with their teammates, coaches, officials, staff, and fans: This means that athletes have positive relationships with others in sport that are based on mutual respect, honesty, and support. Athletes are also able to collaborate with others in sport to achieve common goals, solve problems, and have fun. A resource that can help strengthen trust and rapport in sport is the Responsible Coaching Movement.
• Enjoy and have fun in sport: This means that athletes have opportunities to participate in sport activities that are enjoyable, meaningful, and fulfilling for them. Athletes are also able to balance their sport involvement with other aspects of their life, such as family, friends, school, work, and hobbies. A resource that can help foster enjoyment and fun in sport is the Ottawa Safe Sport Toolkit.

Creating safe spaces in sport requires the collective effort and commitment of all stakeholders involved in sport delivery and governance. Some of the strategies for creating safe spaces in sport are:

• Developing a mental health policy that outlines the vision, goals, objectives, and actions of the organization to support mental health and well-being in sport. The policy should include clear definitions of mental health and its determinants, procedures for identifying and responding to mental health issues or concerns, resources and referrals for mental health services or supports, and evaluation and monitoring mechanisms for the policy implementation.
• Providing training and education for coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, and athletes on mental health awareness and literacy. The training should cover topics such as the signs and symptoms of mental health issues or disorders, the risk factors and protective factors for mental health issues or disorders, the stigma and myths associated with mental health issues or disorders, the strategies for preventing or managing mental health issues or disorders, the skills for communicating effectively and empathetically with people who have mental health issues or disorders, and the resources and support available for mental health issues or disorders.
• Creating a culture of respect and inclusion in sport that values diversity and celebrates differences. The culture should foster a positive climate where everyone feels welcome, safe, and comfortable to be themselves. The culture should also encourage dialogue, feedback, and collaboration among all members of the sport community. The culture should also challenge stereotypes, prejudices, and biases that may lead to discrimination, harassment, or violence in sport.
• Engaging with community partners and stakeholders who are working towards mental health promotion and prevention in sport. These partners could include local schools, community organizations, media outlets, sponsors, government agencies, or other sport organizations. The engagement could involve sharing information or resources, collaborating on projects or events, supporting each other’s efforts, or advocating for change.

To set the foundation to building a safe, welcoming, and inclusive sport environment we encourage you to utilize the 16 free policy templates found in the Ottawa Safe Sport Toolkit.

Mental health is a vital aspect of human development and well-being that deserves attention and care in sport settings. By acknowledging mental health issues or concerns and advocating for safe spaces in sport environments, we can create a more positive, healthy, and enjoyable sport experience for everyone involved.