Critical Evaluation of Mental Health Support for Women Footballers

As the announcement for the Lionesses' squad for the upcoming UEFA Women's Euros 2025 approaches, player Millie Bright has declared her unavailability for selection. Bright, who played a crucial role in the team's triumph three years ago and captained them during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, cited burnout as her reason for stepping back. She expressed her inability to perform at her best both mentally and physically.

Burnout is a significant mental health concern, often associated with feelings of exhaustion, diminished productivity, and emotional detachment from one's sport. Research indicates that athletes experiencing burnout frequently exhibit decreased performance levels. While Bright has received support from her teammates and coaching staff, her absence raises important questions regarding the sufficiency of mental health resources available to female football players.

Bright's situation is reflective of a broader issue within women's football. A recent study examining players from the Women's Super League and Women's Championship reveals troubling statistics: approximately one-third of respondents reported symptoms of disordered eating, while 11% experienced moderate to severe anxiety or depression. Alarmingly, only half of the surveyed players reported having access to psychological support through their clubs.

Similar trends have been observed among elite female footballers in other countries, including Australia, Germany, and Switzerland, where women athletes reported higher levels of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress compared to their male counterparts. These findings suggest that mental health issues among female footballers are more prevalent than in the general population.

Despite the high incidence of mental health problems, studies suggest that football can have both positive and negative effects on players' mental well-being. The sport often serves as a supportive community, offering camaraderie with teammates. However, competitive pressures, selection anxieties, and injury-related stressors can adversely impact mental health.

Coaches play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment for female athletes. Sarina Weigman, the Lionesses' coach, has expressed understanding regarding Bright's decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health. Nonetheless, research indicates that many female players may feel apprehensive about discussing mental health issues with their coaches, fearing it could affect their chances of being selected for matches. Additionally, traditional masculine norms surrounding mental health discussions are also prevalent in women's sports.

Efforts to promote mental health in women's football are still in their infancy, but there are emerging recommendations aimed at enhancing player experience. One approach involves increasing mental health literacy among players, which includes promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues and reducing barriers to seeking help. For example, in women's rugby, higher levels of mental health literacy correlate with a greater willingness to seek support.

Programs designed to boost mental health literacy can also mitigate the stigma associated with seeking professional mental health assistance. Providing coaches and players with knowledge about mental health can enhance their confidence in supporting peers who may be struggling. Many coaches have indicated a desire for mental health training to be incorporated into coaching education.

Furthermore, it is essential for all clubs and national football organizations to ensure that every player has access to independent psychological support. When such services are available, ongoing reminders for players, coaches, and support staff about how to access mental health resources can be beneficial.

As the Lionesses prepare for the upcoming tournament, the hope is that by the time the squad is announced for the next FIFA World Cup in Brazil, players will feel sufficiently supported by both their clubs and national organizations to be in optimal physical and mental condition for competition.