On June 5, 2024, the Boston Red Sox placed reliever Chris Martin on the 15-day injured list. It wasn’t for a sore shoulder, a tight elbow, or an improved groin.
It was for stress.
Historically, the MLB injured list was used for players with injuries. If the players lost time due to mental health conditionsthe explanation given to the media and the public was often deliberately vague: “personal reasons”.
When the players opened up about their struggles, many reporters and fans criticized or questioned these diagnoses. In 2009, the New York Times published an article citing a psychiatrist who doubted that a professional baseball player could suffer from social anxiety disorder.
“In baseball, you don’t hit most of the time and you make mistakes sometimes. You learn to deal with it” the psychiatrist told the paper. “A person with social anxiety disorder would never play in the first place.”
Much has changed since 2009. There is an increasing focus on ensuring that professional athletes have access to mental health support.
The NBA in 2018 launched the Mind Health program, which requires every team to have one licensed mental health professional available for players and staff. The NFL also authorizes teams to maintain at least one behavioral health physician on site Twice a week.
But what do fans think? Are athletes with mental health problems considered weak? Are they becoming less likable?
In a series of studiesmy colleagues and I looked at how fans responded to athletes talking about their mental health struggles, and even missing time because of them.
Expectations of mental “toughness”
Although strides have been made in the last two yearsmany people still find it difficult to disclose their mental health struggles in the workplace.
According to a 2022 global survey, 58% of respondents said they felt uncomfortable discussing their mental health issues at work. Many of them are afraid are punished for their struggles.
In sports, the situation can be even worse.
Elite athletes experience a higher prevalence of mental health problems than the general population, exacerbated by a sports culture that emphasizes mental toughness. Routine treatment for physical injuries is considered an integral part of the job. But seeking help for mental health problems can see a sign of weakness.
This cultural stigma discourages athletes from talking about their mental health. Some of them may fear rejection or distrust from teammates and fans. Others may worry about missing out on sponsorship opportunities or bigger contracts. Poor mental health education among many athletes and coaches also serves as an additional barrier.
However, the narrative is slowly changing, thanks in part to high-profile athletes such as Kevin Love, DeMar DeRozan, A’ja Wilson and Michael Phelps who have revealed their mental health struggles in recent years. Their stories, featured in mainstream media and sports networks, helped the public recognize that these iconic athletes are just as vulnerable to mental health conditions as anyone else.
A turning point
A pivotal moment came when the tennis star Naomi Osaka left from the 2021 French Open, citing mental health reasons.
Grand Slam tournament organizers had fined Osaka and threatened with disqualification and future bans if she did not fulfill her media obligations, which ultimately led to Osaka withdrawing from the tournament.
The decision sparked intense debate. Various media and fans criticized Osakaclaiming that as a professional athlete, managing media duties was part of her job.
However, some notable figures such as Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova have praised her for prioritizing her mental health. Nike, one of its main sponsors, publicly supported her decision and stood by her during the controversy.
In 2022 study, we analyzed public social media response to Osaka’s actions. On Twitter – now known as X – we were surprised to discover an outpouring of support: 51% of all relevant posts and replies applauded her decision. Only 19% expressed negative feelings, while the remaining 30% were neutral.
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Osaka kept showing up on the cover of Time magazine – not because he had won another Grand Slam tournament, but because he had sparked wider conversations about mental health in sport. Later that summer, gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the women’s all-around final at the Tokyo Olympics. citing mental health reasons.
Osaka’s actions also prompted changes in league governance. The Grand Slam committee, which had fined her for missing a press conference during the 2021 French Open, continued commit to addressing players’ mental health concerns.
Humanizing athletes
In our most recent studywe wanted to explore how fans perceive athletes who disclose mental health issues as opposed to those who talk about their physical injuries.
Was there any truth to the stigma some athletes and coaches feared?
We presented 255 participants living in the USA with two scenarios. In one, there was an athlete who took a break due to mental health struggles. In the other, the athlete took time off to deal with a physical injury.
The only difference between the conditions was the reason for the athlete’s leave. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. After reading the assigned scenario, they then reported the level of warmth they felt toward the athlete and the degree to which they perceived the athlete as competent.
Based on our findings, it appears that fears of backlash are largely unfounded.
In fact, study participants felt more warmth toward athletes with mental illnesses. And they were considered as capable of performing as athletes who had to deal with physical injuries.
In other words, fans seem to appreciate athletes who initiate these difficult conversations and prioritize their mental well-being. As for players who fear losing sponsorship deals due to publicizing their mental health issues, if anything, fans may see them as more affable and relatable, enhancing their appeal as brand ambassadors.
This is exactly what happened to Chris Martin.
Fans, teammates and the media were all very supportive. The club manager, Alex Cora, Martin applauded for his openness in his struggles, as did baseball chief Craig Breslow.
To me, it’s clear that the tide is turning. Athletes no longer have to suffer in silence.
