The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has launched an audit of the mental health of Australia’s elite athletes.
The program consists of two mental health initiatives, enhancing the AIS’s commitment to athlete wellbeing.
Deputy Director for Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement at the AIS, Matti Clements (pictured) said the Mental Health Issue and Illness Audit was an anonymous online survey to assess the current mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s elite athlete cohort.
“The AIS will also establish a National Mental Health Referral Network, providing high performance athletes with support for assessment and treatment for mental health issues,” Ms Clements said.
“The initiatives stem from the inaugural AIS Athlete and Wellbeing Summit, Beyond the Podium, which brought together sports, athletes and practitioners in June.”
She said the mental health initiatives were the first steps in creating a national action plan for athlete wellbeing.
“The AIS Athlete and Wellbeing team has sought input from sports, athletes and the industry, now we’re determined to lead and put recommendations into action,” Ms Clements said.
“The AIS is partnering with Orygen — the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, and the University of Melbourne to conduct the Mental Health Issue and Illness Audit.”
Ms Clements said that currently, the high performance sports sector in Australia had limited information regarding the mental health and wellbeing of its athletes.
“This survey will help us understand how we can better meet athlete needs and provide best practice guidelines,” she said.
“The National Mental Health Referral Network will enable athletes to receive advice and help when they need it most, or simply to have a trusted, independent person to talk to.”
