Joe’s Basketball Diaries Episode 2: Athletes and mental health

Elite athletes aren’t immune to mental health challenges – and they face unique pressures when forced to navigate anxiety, depression or burnout in the public eye.

Hosted by Joseph Wong, the University of Toronto’s vice-president, international, episode two of Joe’s Basketball Diaries explores how athletes such as former Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and professional tennis player Naomi Osaka are speaking out about a once-taboo subject.

What expectations do athletes face? Are Black and racialized women athletes more likely to face scrutiny if they open up about mental health? And are organizations changing to destigmatize mental illness?

The episode features: Sabrina Razack, who completed her PhD at the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education with a collaborative specialization in women and gender studies; Jhanelle Peters, mental health clinician with the Toronto Raptors; Madhav Trivedi, interim head coach of the Varsity Blues men’s basketball team; and Miranda Ayim, three-time Olympian and certified wellness coach.

Watch Joe’s Basketball Diaries Ep. 2

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to mental health experts in your community. Here are the resources available at U of T:

Students:

U of T My Student Support Program (My SSP) can be accessed 24-7 by phone or via the My SSP app.

Other mental health resources, programs and supports are available at mentalhealth.utoronto.ca.

Staff and faculty:

Employee and Family Assistance Program (1-800-663-1142)