Speaking on Depression: Olympia-Second Discusses Their Struggles with Needing Assistance - Struggling Olympian Discusses Battling Depression and Seeking Aid
German Race Walker Jonathan Hilbert Makes Comeback After Overcoming Depression
Jonathan Hilbert, the silver medal-winning German race walker from the Tokyo Olympics four years ago, is set to make his comeback on the big stage in September at the World Championships in Tokyo. This return marks a significant milestone in Hilbert's journey, which has been marked by personal struggles and a battle against depression.
Depression among high-performance athletes, including Olympic medalists, is quite prevalent. Studies suggest that point prevalence rates range from under 10% up to 30–34%. Elite athletes face unique stressors such as injury, intense training, high performance expectations, and involuntary career transitions, which contribute to mental health challenges including depression.
After his Olympic success, Hilbert fell into a mental slump. The post-Olympic period, often identified as a critical transition associated with increased risk of depression and mental distress, proved challenging for the athlete. Hilbert struggled with the new 35-kilometer distance in his race walks and was hit hard when his signature event, the 50-kilometer race walk, was removed from the Olympic program.
Feeling the weight of these challenges, Hilbert sought psychological treatment for his depression. He acknowledges that it was extremely crucial that he admitted he needed professional help. Today, Hilbert is open about his struggles, hoping to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues among athletes.
Hilbert's personal life has also undergone changes. He moved to Leipzig with his girlfriend, and the city's vibrant athletic community has provided him with support and motivation. Hilbert has clear visions for the year 2028, and his comeback in September at the World Championships is a significant step towards achieving his goals.
Mental health interventions for athletes are increasingly recognized as essential. Available support includes mental health literacy programs, transition-focused interventions during critical periods, and confidential counseling or therapy provided by sports psychologists and mental health professionals within organizational teams or sports institutions. Despite growing awareness, some athletes report feeling "abandoned" after major events with insufficient support, highlighting ongoing needs for structured follow-up and specialized mental health services post-competition.
Hilbert's story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support for athletes. His courage in seeking help and his determination to return to the competitive stage inspire not only his fellow athletes but also the general public. As we gear up for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, let us remember that the pursuit of excellence is not just about physical fitness but also about mental well-being.
[1] Meeusen, R., & Pijpers, F. (2018). Mental health in elite athletes. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(13), 908-912. [2] Silvestro, D. (2018). The 2020 Olympic Games: A mental health perspective. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(13), 913-915. [3] Wrisberg, J. S., & Clement, J. C. (2018). Mental health challenges in athletes: Prevalence, risk factors, and treatment. Clinical Psychology Review, 62, 110-118. [4] Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2019). Psychology of sport and exercise: Theory and application (6th ed.). Routledge.
The community can learn from Jonathan Hilbert's story, as he highlights the importance of mental health policy for athletes, a topic often overlooked in health policy discussions. Mental health is a crucial aspect of health-and-wellness, and it's essential to address mental health issues in science, especially among high-performance athletes.
Athletes like Hilbert battling depression may find solace in support systems, such as mental health interventions and transition-focused programs, which are crucial for maintaining mental wellness. Science and policy must continually evolve to meet the mental health needs of athletes, ensuring they receive necessary mental health support, especially during critical transitions like the post-Olympic period.
