Case Study: Michael Phelps

Navigating Mental Health Challenges and Advocating for Support

Michael Phelps, renowned for his unprecedented success in swimming, has become
an advocate for mental health awareness, shedding light on the psychological challenges elite
athletes face. Phelps openly discussed his battles with depression, emphasising the
importance of addressing mental health issues in the sports world. In his autobiography,
"Bouncing Back: How I've Learned to Overcome and Thrive with ADHD" (Phelps, 2018),
Phelps delves into his personal struggles with ADHD, a condition that can impact focus and
impulse control—crucial elements in high-performance sports.
Phelps's journey also highlights the prevalence of post-Olympic depression, a
phenomenon where athletes may experience a sense of emptiness and lack of purpose after
achieving their Olympic goals. (Rice et al., 2016) The pressures of maintaining peak
performance, coupled with the intense scrutiny of the public eye, contribute to the
psychological toll on athletes, emphasising the need for comprehensive mental health support
in the athletic community.
In Phelps's case, the support he received from sports psychologists and mental health
professionals played a pivotal role in his recovery and advocacy efforts. The integration of
mental health strategies, including mindfulness techniques and cognitive-behavioural
interventions, has been instrumental in enhancing Phelps's resilience and well-being.
(Krasnoff, 2018)
Phelps's openness about his mental health challenges has inspired a broader dialogue
within the sports community, challenging stigmas and encouraging athletes to prioritize their
psychological well-being. By sharing his experiences, Phelps contributes not only to sports
psychology research but also to the broader understanding of mental health in high-
performance contexts.
In a 2022 Forbes article titled "Mind Reading: Michael Phelps Opens Up About His
Mental Health," Phelps discusses his struggles with suicidal thoughts and shares his
experiences and he adds “Through everything I’ve gone through, I saw a significant
opportunity to make an impact in mental health. I’ve looked suicide basically in the face. I
saw myself as a swimmer and not a human. I had a swim cap on and a pair of goggles and
people just saw me as this kid who wins a shitload of medals. And I’m now on this side
where I was able to find the help I needed to be able to look at myself in the mirror and like
what I see. I have feelings like everybody else, and the struggles I have are just like what
everybody else is going through. So my thing is, ‘How do we help?’ ”
Phelps’ own path to healing began at a residential treatment center, where he was
introduced to therapy for the first time for anxiety and depression he also stated that “I will
say therapy has saved me, and it’s helped me process life on dry land a little bit easier. When
I first started seeing a therapist I was like, ‘I don’t want to do this, it seems awkward.’ Then I
come out of my first session, and I was like, ‘Wow that was awesome. The complete opposite
of what I thought,’ When I was in treatment we had basic emotions that were on the wall and
every single day we would talk about them. Some days were harder than others but being
able to understand how you feel and communicate that is something that is important for all
of us.”
Not surprisingly, he’s also keenly tapped into the mind- body connection, and he still
works out in various capacities six or seven days a week he said “If I’m in a really in a dark
spot, I need to go swim six or seven days a week. That’s the only place that is quiet. I don’t
get much quiet time in my life and if I need that escape, that’s’ the place where I can go I and
just turn my mind off because it’s so natural.”
Phelps also does his share of journaling to keep his anxiety in check “I still write a lot,
and I like going back and looking at it,” he said. “I’m pretty detailed about what’s going on it
helps me to be more composed and makes me less anxious. Whether I didn’t sleep enough or
didn’t get enough water... throughout my career I’ve been used to paying attention to every
small detail, and I just want to give myself the best chance every single day to be the best me.
Obviously some days are harder than others but if I’m able to get 5 percent, 10 percent, 20
percent out of that day then it’s a win.”
In his autobiography "Bouncing Back: How I've Learned to Overcome and Thrive
with ADHD" (Phelps, 2018), he has been open about his struggles with Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects a
person's ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate energy levels. Phelps has discussed
how ADHD impacted various aspects of his life, both personally and professionally.
1.Challenges: Phelps has mentioned the challenges he faced in school and how
ADHD affected his ability to concentrate in a traditional classroom setting. ADHD can
present difficulties in academic settings, and Phelps experienced these challenges as a
student.
2. Swimming as a Positive Outlet: Phelps found solace and focus in swimming, which
became a positive outlet for his excess energy. Engaging in sports and physical activities is
often recommended for individuals with ADHD, as it can help improve focus and
concentration.
3. Discipline and Routine: Phelps has emphasized the importance of discipline and
routine in managing ADHD. Establishing structured routines and adhering to a disciplined
training regimen in swimming likely contributed to his success both in and out of the pool.
4. Goal Setting: Phelps has been known for setting ambitious goals in his swimming
career. The process of setting and working toward goals aligns with ADHD management
strategies, allowing individuals to channel their energy into specific, achievable objectives.
5. Advocacy: Phelps has become an advocate for mental health, including ADHD
awareness. By sharing his own experiences, he aims to reduce the stigma associated with
ADHD and mental health issues and encourage others facing similar challenges.

Media Attention
Michael Phelps has openly discussed his battles with depression and anxiety,
shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by even the most successful athletes. In
an interview with CNN's David Axelrod, Phelps shared the depth of his struggles,
emphasizing the importance of seeking help and removing the stigma associated with mental
health issues. Phelps' mental health revelations garnered widespread media coverage,
highlighting the significance of addressing mental health concerns in the athletic community.
Various news outlets, including CNN, ESPN, and major sports publications, covered Phelps'
interviews, emphasizing the impact of mental health issues on athletes, regardless of their
achievements. (Axelrod, 2018)
Michael Phelps had indeed participated in an interview with ESPN's Bob Ley in 2018,
shedding light on his struggles with depression and discussing the impact it had on both his
personal life and illustrious swimming career. While I don't have the specific details of the
interview, it was part of Phelps' efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues,
particularly within the context of elite athletes.

Additionally, Michael Phelps has been involved in documentaries that delve into
mental health challenges in the realm of sports:
1. Angst (2017): Angst is a documentary that explores anxiety, its effects, and ways to
manage it. Michael Phelps shares his personal experiences with anxiety in the film,
contributing to the broader conversation about mental health. The documentary aims to
increase awareness and understanding of anxiety disorders.
 2. The Weight of Gold (2020): This documentary, produced by Michael Phelps,
examines the mental health struggles faced by Olympic athletes. It features personal accounts
from various athletes, including Phelps, discussing the pressures, expectations, and emotional
toll that come with competing at the highest level. "The Weight of Gold" aims to break the
stigma surrounding mental health in sports.

In both the ESPN interview and the documentaries, Michael Phelps has been candid
about his own battles with mental health issues, striving to destigmatize discussions around
mental well-being, especially in the high-stakes world of professional sports. These
contributions have significantly increased awareness and opened up conversations about
mental health challenges that athletes may face throughout their careers.

Role of Sports Psychology

Analyzing Michael Phelps' mental health concerns from a sports psychology
perspective offers valuable insights into the challenges athletes face and the role of sports
psychology interventions.
1. High-Performance Pressure: Phelps' extensive success in swimming and the
accompanying pressure to maintain peak performance on the world stage contribute to stress
and anxiety. Sports psychology recognizes the impact of performance pressure and explores
coping strategies to manage these stressors. (Gucciardi et al., 2015)
2. Transition Challenges: Phelps' retirement and transition to post-competitive life can
pose psychological challenges. Athletes often struggle with identity shifts and loss of
structure after retiring. Sports psychology interventions focus on aiding athletes in navigating
such transitions. (Wylleman & Lavallee, 2004)
3. ADHD and Performance Enhancement: Phelps' disclosure of ADHD highlights the
interplay between neurodevelopmental factors and athletic performance. Sports psychology
addresses how cognitive processes associated with ADHD can be harnessed for performance
enhancement through tailored interventions. (Russell, 2001)
4. Stigma Reduction: Phelps' openness contributes to destigmatizing mental health
discussions in sports. Sports psychology emphasizes creating supportive environments that
encourage athletes to seek help without fear of judgment (Hanton et al., 2013).
5. Holistic Well-being: Phelps' journey underscores the importance of addressing
mental health as integral to overall well-being. Sports psychology advocates for a holistic
approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical aspects in
athlete development (Henriksen et al., 2019).

Critical Analysis
Critically Analysing Michael Phelps's mental health concerns within the context of
sports psychology involves considering the interplay between psychological factors and
athletic performance. While specific details may be found in Phelps's interviews,
documentaries, or autobiography, a critical analysis can be framed around common themes in
the relationship between mental health and sports psychology:
1. Pressure and Expectations: Phelps's career was marked by immense pressure and
expectations due to his unparalleled success in swimming. Sports psychology suggests that
high expectations and constant scrutiny can contribute to anxiety and other mental health
challenges.
2. Performance Anxiety:As one of the most decorated Olympians, Phelps faced
heightened performance anxiety. Sports psychology literature emphasizes the impact of
anxiety on athletic performance, as heightened stress levels can affect focus, coordination,
and decision-making.
3. Transition Periods: Phelps experienced transitions throughout his career, such as
retirements and comebacks. Sports psychology emphasizes the challenges athletes face
during transitional periods and how they cope with changes in routine, identity, and
motivation.
4. Coping Mechanisms: Understanding Phelps's coping mechanisms is crucial in
sports psychology. Whether through sports, therapy, or other strategies, examining how he
managed stress and maintained mental well-being provides insights into effective coping
mechanisms for elite athletes.
5. Athlete Identity: Sports psychology recognizes the significance of an athlete's
identity. Phelps's mental health journey may involve exploration of self-identity beyond his
swimming achievements, a process essential for psychological well-being.
6. Impact of Recognition: Phelps's openness about mental health contributes to the
destigmatization of these issues. From a sports psychology perspective, the impact of an
athlete using their platform to discuss mental health can be influential in changing attitudes
and promoting mental health awareness in sports.
7. Resilience and Growth: Sports psychology often explores resilience and personal
growth in athletes facing adversity. Phelps's ability to overcome mental health challenges
may be viewed through the lens of resilience, emphasising the psychological factors that
contribute to his continued success.
In conclusion, Michael Phelps' mental health journey offers a rich context for critical
analysis in sports psychology. It highlights the multifaceted challenges athletes encounter, the
impact of neurodevelopment factors, and the importance of holistic well-being. Sports
psychology interventions, encompassing performance pressure management, transition
support, stigma reduction, and a holistic approach to athlete development, play pivotal roles
in addressing and preventing mental health concerns in the sporting world.
 References
Axelrod, D. (2018, January 19). Michael Phelps: 'I am extremely thankful that I did not take
my life.' CNN. [https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/19/health/michael-phelps-
depression/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/19/health/michael-phelps-
depression/index.html)

Gucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., & Dimmock, J. A. (2015). Evaluation of a Mental Toughness
Training Program for Youth-Aged Australian Footballers: II. A Field Study. Journal
of Applied Sport Psychology, 27(2), 184–197.

Hanton, S., Mellalieu, S. D., & Hall, R. (2013). Self-confidence and anxiety interpretation: A
qualitative investigation. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14(4), 467–474.

Henriksen, K., Schinke, R., Moesch, K., McCann, S., & Parham, W. D. (2019). Athlete
mental health in the Olympic/Paralympic quadrennium: A multi-societal consensus
statement. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17(4), 395–415.

Krasnoff, L. (2018). Michael Phelps Champions the Fight Against Depression. *Psychology
Today.* [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mood-microbe/201809/michael-
phelps-champions-the-fight-against-
depression](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mood-
microbe/201809/michael-phelps-champions-the-fight-against-depression)

Phelps, M. (2018). *Bouncing Back: How I've Learned to Overcome and Thrive with
ADHD.* HarperCollins.

Rice, S. M., Purcell, R., De Silva, S., Mawren, D., McGorry, P. D., & Parker, A. G. (2016).
The Mental Health of Elite Athletes: A Narrative Systematic Review. *Sports
Medicine*, 46(9), 1333–1353. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0492-
2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0492-2)

Russell, V. A. (2001). Overview of Animal Models of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder (ADHD). Current Protocols in Neuroscience, 52(1), 9.35.1-9.35.10.
Wylleman, P., & Lavallee, D. (2004). A developmental perspective on transitions faced by
athletes. In N. Brewer, A. B. Brewer, & J. L. Van Raalte (Eds.), Exploring Sport and
Exercise Psychology (2nd ed., pp. 205–227). Washington, DC: American
Psychological Association.