Clinical depression in athletes

[AndyO]

There was a feature on the early evening news tonight about athletes suffering from depression. Graeme Obree, the cyclist, was noted as having suffered for many years, and there was a suggestion that governing bodies should be aware of the dangers.

Is this a problem in orienteering, and if so how can governing bodies support athletes who do suffer?

[J.Tullster]

I've not read the article, but does it say if it's actually more prevalent than in the general population?

[AndyO]

The piece didn't make any such claims, but noted a few high-profile sportsmen who have had such problems. There was no indication of what was expected of Governing bodies in sport, either.

Graeme Obree did say that he was able to "mask" his illness through competition, but that didn't help him to address it, or overcome it.

I have no experience of this at all, but am interested to see what response there might be, if any, from those within the sport who do have such knowledge or experience.

[tim sleepless]

You might think it might be less prevalent, as exercise is one thing that doctors encourage those with depression to do more of.

However, at high intensity exercise levels there's greater levels of cortisol produced, which in turn is linked with depression. Add in the mental pressures of training and competing at an elite level, and depression could well be more prevalent.

[Stodgetta]

From anecdotal/personal experience, there are a number of people affected by depression in O. I agree with Tim that it could well be more prevalent at the elite level because of the pressure from within as much as the pressure from others. There will still be the "normal" prevalence of depression in the general orienteering population.

It could also be more of a problem at junior level because of academic pressure, too. Good orienteers tend to be academic high fliers, with the pressure that brings. All round high achievers are known to be at high risk.

As to what British Orienteering can/should do, there's not alot it can do, is there? There is already a psychologist who works with the British team, maybe there's a role for one within the Start squad? I wouldn't think they meet often enough, though, for this to be of significant value with regards depression? Probably just highlighting it as a potential problem for people/parents to be aware of is as far as they can go.

I would be very interested to know if anyone who has competed at the very top as a senior survived mental health problems as a junior.

[Mrs H.]

Co-incidentally My column in December CompassSport is asking whether we are looking after the physical and mental well being of our young elite as well as we might be as I wanted to open a debate on it.

[Schnitzy]

During my time in the Junior squad I know of one fellow member who suffered with depression, though they masked it well and it was only after we'd left the squad system that I became aware of the problem. They have now taken a step back from O.

I would not be surprised if it was a more common problem then we think, although most cases are probably not servere. Apparently most depression sufferers only become aware of the problem once they are over it, and it is very difficult for those around to spot that there is a problem.

[harry]

Some of the symptoms of manic depression are very close to those of overtraining. e.g insomnia, weight loss. Although both disorders are complex and individualistic.

Here is an interesting article for those with an interest in this topic;
http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/34/1/4

[tim sleepless]

Some of the symptoms of manic depression are very close to those of overtraining. e.g insomnia, weight loss. Although both disorders are complex and individualistic.

Here is an interesting article for those with an interest in this topic;
http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/34/1/4

Err... overtraining creates symptoms similar to normal, not "manic" depression. Manic depression, or bi-polar disorder, being characterised by episodes of extreme highs and extreme lows.

[harry]

My mistake, although as I said these disorders are very complex and individualistic. I believe that there is significant overlap between the symptoms of manic depression, "normal" depression (as you put it), hyper/hypomania and overtraining.

I have at least one relative with bi-polar disorder so I would not intentionally belittle what I know can be a serious and debilitating disease.

[Cez]

From personal experience I would say there is a link between overtraining and depression but also an extra factor is required. That of a competitive edge, which I guess is prevalent in most sportsmen/women.

I believe the training and competition is a way of getting away from the depression and so the sport, for example orienteering, is in itself a way of hiding the depression. However as it becomes more and more necessary to get away from it, then training and competition is more important, fuelled by the competitiveness and eventually it can get too much to deal with.

Therefore overtraining related to depression can also be not just purely overtraining but the body refusing to cope with its situation anymore.

The senior squad have the help of a great psychologist but I think it would be helpful for the junior squad to also benefit from a psychologist, as at this stage people are beginning to think seriously about their training in relation to specific competitions and increasing the volume of training. It is also the period of transition from domestic to international races.

Psychological experience will not only help juniors to cope with training and perhaps new life in university but also the pressure of international competitions and all the other factors involved with e.g JWOC.