A new study from international football players’ union revealed that depression and mental health problems are more prevalent than previously thought, with over one-third of players reporting symptoms.
Conducted by a team led by FIFPro chief medical officer Vincent Gouttebarge, the research found that 38 percent of 607 current players, as well as 35 percent of 219 former players, suffered from depression and/or anxiety symptoms.
Sleeping disturbances (23 and 28 percent among current and former players), distress (15 and 18 percent), and adverse alcohol use (9 and 25 percent) were also discovered to be prevalent.
Both current and former professional players appear to have higher rates of depression and/or anxiety than control groups representing the general public and even other elite athletes, added the researchers.
The study built on a 2013 pilot study on psychosocial health issues among professional players in five countries, and gathered data from current and former footballers across 11 union members, including in Belgium, Chile, Finland, France, and Japan.
Dr. Gouttebarge hopes to increase awareness and commitment in the football community to support those suffering from mental health concerns.
“The present epidemiological study is a necessary first step… aimed at protecting and empowering the sustainable health of active and retired players,” he said.
This year, former Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Chair Clarke Carlisle admitted suffering from depression, which led him to being convicted of drunk-driving and attempting suicide. He called it his “lowest ebb,” which took his attention away from his marriage, three children, and life at age 35.
FIFPro also found that current players who sustained at least three severe injuries during their career were up to four times more likely to report mental health issues than those who had not been injured.
Dr. Gouttebarge recommended a multidisciplinary approach to be used on severely injured players. Post-surgery, the assigned team doctor and orthopedic surgeon are called to be aware of potential mental health symptoms, possibly leading to early treatment, a “better and safer” return to sports, and supportive measures to prevent severe mental problems in the future.
Dr. Gouttebarge cited “exit-career examinations” as an example of these supportive measures, promoting healthy post-career transition.
Photo: David Wilson| Flickr
