Unpacking the Emotional Weight of the Olympic Games: A Look at Post-Olympic Depression and How to Cope

Post-Olympic depression is a real phenomenon that athletes can experience after returning home from the international competition. Performance psychologist Michael Gervais, who hosts the Finding Mastery podcast, sheds light on this issue. He explains that athletes can struggle with a variety of emotions and challenges after the intense experience of competing on the world stage.

The sudden return to normal life after such an intense and focused period can leave athletes feeling lost, empty, and unsure of their identity outside of their sport. It’s important for athletes to recognize and seek support for post-Olympic depression, as ignoring these feelings can lead to long-term mental health issues.

Gervais emphasizes the importance of self-care, seeking help from mental health professionals, and finding healthy ways to transition back to everyday life after the Olympics. By raising awareness about post-Olympic depression and providing strategies for coping with it, Gervais hopes to help athletes navigate the difficult transition period after returning from the international competition.