10/09/2025
“R U OK? Day” reminds us that behind peaks of performance, athletes often grapple with unseen pressures that test their mental and emotional strength.
Athletes operate in environments where emotional resilience is as critical as physical prowess—but too often, the mental toll goes unspoken:
- 34 % of current elite athletes experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, with 19 % reporting alcohol misuse.
- Among retired athletes, 26 % experience anxiety/depression, and 16 % experience distress
- Another study reveals that within team sports, male elite athletes face mental health disorders at rates ranging from 5 % for burnout and alcohol misuse to nearly 45 % for anxiety and depression
- Following major competitions like the Olympics, vulnerability intensifies—around 35 % of elite athletes report mental health challenges, especially during post-event transitions, when identity and purpose can feel adrift
At Agency X, we recognise that high-performance environments can amplify isolation, self-imposed pressure, and stigma—making it difficult to ask for help.
So today, and every day, let’s:
Ask: “Are you really OK?”
Listen without judgment.
Encourage someone to take action—toward professional support, peer connections, or self-care.
Check in again—this simple act can be life-changing.
R U OK? Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a catalyst for connection. Let’s build a culture where reaching out is seen as courageous—not weak.
Let’s ask, listen, act, and check in. After all, performance should never come at the expense of well-being.
