They also model negative reactions to the mentally ill, including fear, rejection, derision and ridicule. The consequences of negative media images for people who have a mental illness are profound. They impair self-esteem, help-seeking behaviours, medication adherence and overall recovery.

Probably stigma. Athletes want to be viewed as strong and empowered, and rightly so. They don't want the public shaming them for any issue or condition, especially one that is so heavily stigmatized in our society. But the simple truth is: Olympians can prove having mental illness doesn't mean you're weak.

Strengthen existing relationships Far from increasing isolation, social media can provide alternative means of finding support, even helping to lift depression, and as Meetups have shown, provide a healthy excuse to go outside rather than stay cooped up indoors or hunched over a computer.

Analyzing how mental health is being portrayed in media is a great exercise that can reduce stigma and drive social change. These thought-provoking films, and others that positively portray mental illnesses, can increase our empathy buckets and provide a sense of hope for those living with their own lived experiences.

Athletes such as Biles, Irby, Goepper, Osaka and NBA players Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan have all been vocal about how mental health can affect their ability to perform.

9 Football Players Who've Spoken Up About Mental Health. NFL quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver A.J. Brown, and tight end Hayden Hurst have helped break down stigma by sharing their experiences with depression, anxiety, and more.

Tips for improving your mental wellbeing

1. Try to relax and reduce stress.
2. Find ways to learn and be creative.
3. Spend time in nature.
4. Connect with others.
5. Look after your physical health.
6. Try to improve your sleep.

It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

The use of social media significantly impacts mental health. It can enhance connection, increase self-esteem, and improve a sense of belonging. But it can also lead to tremendous stress, pressure to compare oneself to others, and increased sadness and isolation. Mindful use is essential to social media consumption.

"Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles." "Tough times never last, but tough people do." "I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability." "I figure practice puts your brains in your muscles."

One study of 50 swimmers competing for positions in Canada's Olympic and world championship teams, for instance, found that before competition, 68% of them “met the criteria for a major depressive episode”.

8 Famous Women Speaking Out About Mental Health

• Chrissy Teigan. Last year, in 2020, Chrissy Teigan experienced the painful loss of her third child with husband John Legend.
• Billie Eilish.
• Demi Lovato.
• Selena Gomez.
• Kristen Bell.
• Lady Gaga.
• Zendaya.
• Ariana Grande.