Setting the scene: Mental health in elite sport

It is our collective view that the relative failure to address mental health (MH) in sport over the years has been in part due to prevailing stigma and false misconceptions that athletes have an indestructible psyche. However, in today’s society, gaps in adequate MH support are more due to a lack of knowledge, skills, and funding within organizations. Proper care for the MH and psychosocial and emotional development of athletes is generally perceived to be beneficial for all involved. It may contribute to athletes’ performances, the longevity of their career, the quality of their career transitions and better outcomes upon career termination. This chapter sets the scene for understanding and situating mental health in elite sport. We envisage that this tour around the world leaves the reader with an understanding of the massive global differences in MH service provision within different contexts, and organizations. The overall aim of the book is to provide researchers, practitioners, coaches, and students with relevant knowledge, and strategies to address MH in elite sport across a variety of contexts.