The Pressure of Perfection: Mental Health and the Olympics

I recently texted a friend that during the Olympics I was pretty worthless to the world around me, as I spent so much time laying on my bed watching sports. It’s a bit of an odd experience, of course, to put in such little effort while simultaneously watching people give maximum effort. As a psychologist, one of the most intriguing things to me is the immense pressure put on Olympians to perform once every four years. 

For many athletes, the Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The fear of failure, the burden of expectations, and the pressure to perform can create a mental health crisis. In recent years, we've seen several high-profile athletes speak out about their struggles with mental health, shedding light on the fact that even the most accomplished individuals are not immune to these challenges.

Olympic athletes train for years, sometimes decades, to compete on the world stage. The stakes are incredibly high—not just for the medals, but for personal pride, national representation, and the expectations of fans and sponsors. This weight can lead to intense stress, anxiety, and even depression.

While I am definitely not an Olympian (although I might try to convince my young kids I am an Olympian at break dancing), I do know that most of us can relate to the feeling of pressure and perfection. With athletics, we think about the pressure to perform, and if they do not do well, they will not win. Often in everyday life, I hear people talk about the pressure to make the right decision, pressure to change habits, pressure to perform well at work, pressure to do better, etc.  Pressure, some say, can be refining, but pressure can also be debilitating. 

My grandfather once told me: “Each day is the same as the one before it.” I was asking his advice around making a big, life-changing decision, and I felt pressure. He was a high-character man from a simpler time, and his advice brought me back to the moment. It also relieved some pressure. All I could do was focus on what was in front of me for that day. Then tomorrow I’ll handle tomorrow. I’ve tried to practice this - though it does not mean that some things are not especially hard. It’s just helpful to know the pressure will be enough for the day.

In each day, I know that the pressure I feel is rarely mine to carry on my own. We’re built, as social humans (yes, even the most introverted of us), to carry pressures together. The experiences of Olympic athletes offer valuable lessons for all of us. The pressure to be perfect, whether in sports, work, or life, can be overwhelming. It's essential to prioritize mental health, seek support when needed, and remember that it’s okay to not be okay.

As we cheer on our favorite athletes, let's also advocate for a culture that values mental health, recognizes the pressures they face, and supports their overall well-being. The Olympics are a celebration of human potential, and that includes the strength it takes to prioritize mental health in the face of immense pressure.

At Timber Creek Counseling, we’re committed to supporting individuals who face pressures in their own lives—whether you're an athlete, a professional, or anyone feeling the weight of expectations. Reach out to us if you need support; we’re here to help you find balance and well-being, both mentally and physically.

-Dr. Andrew Cuthbert