Tokyo's Olympic legacy: Forcing mental health center stage

Oh please! Regular people that work every day especially in Japan don't just get to decide they need a break.

As a single father during a 15 year period I had 2 weeks actual time off in that entire 15 years, often using any "vacation time" for sick days, time off to take care of the children when sick or something at school came up.

And my experience is nothing special most regular people around the world don't even get close to the pampering these elite athletes get.

And if anything these games are remembered for it sure will not be this side show.

It will be the total disregard of commonsense and holding a major international even during a pandemic at the exact time a new variant is surging worldwide and locally.

Tokyo's Olympic legacy: Forcing mental health center stage

Mental health that's something that Japan won't admit really exist. In Japan you just being expected to show that everything is normal no matter what.

So, it's just like any normal job then, is it? You dont like it sometimes, it's hard work and there's not much time off?

Get over yourself, that's the same life everyone has, except you get to play stupid games for a career instead of benefiting society. You put your own ego above everything else and now you're complaining? Nah, I dont care. You've done nothing to progress mankind, you desire to compete in order to win and you think winning is important even though the competition is pointless. You deserve no sympathy.

For the pathetic judgmental people who criticize athletes who retire because of pressure, I ask you:

How many Olympic medals, Championships or World Titles have you won to come and criticize and judge these athletes?..

Let them rest so they can win again..

None, I built businesses, raised 2 children on my own, git no government support, no sponsors to pay my bills, I worked every day from the age of 16 (while still in school) to this day, went to bed at 2:00 was up at 5:30 because I have to work and pay bills.

They think they have it hard wait until they no longer have the limelight and get a regular job and see how they handle that.

Agree, most people have mental issues, some are worse than others, the problem is getting people to go and get treated or at least checked out. In Japan I found out that going to counseling is actually much worse.

Extremely depressing when you go and seek help from a doctor who needs treatment himself, LOL

Stress and pressure have always been part of sport as has the athletes handling of it. A semi final penalty, a birdie putt to win, getting back on the bike after a crash etc. With the added social media we have today some may feel more pressure but the end game is the same.... Get out there and do your best.

Agree, most people have mental issues, some are worse than others, the problem is getting people to go and get treated or at least checked out. 

3/7 th of the world's population has trouble getting food and/or clean drinking water, another 3/7th are working daily Just to pay bills and feed their families.

At best a fraction of the remaining 1/7th can actually afford to take care of any mental issues they may have.

This is the reality we live in.

I wonder how many athletes from non first world countries can do the same?

My guess is Zero.

Many are probably working full time jobs on top of training.

From reading the comments, it's clear that the solution for these athletes' mental health issues is to realize that the athletes have no value to society whatsoever, that their problems mean nothing, and that other people have it worse.

Someone just needs to tell them this, and they'll suddenly see the entire world in a new light and stop caring about any issues they may have, right?

With advice like this, why does the world need mental health professionals? We clearly have all the experts right here.

I think it could be made a case that evidencing how a lot of "important" people live in complete denial of the reality of the pandemic also put people to seriously think about how mental health problems can be dangerous, specially if suffered by people in charge of making big decisions.

I like this attitude. I'm going to tell my boss that I intend to take a month off, for which I intend to be paid in full, while I "mentally recharge my batteries" and "center myself" so that I don't wreck my "mental health". I also expect to be told that I am absolutely wonderful for doing so, and that I have everyone's "support" and "love".

Credit to AFP (© 2021) for bringing JAPAN’s shortcomings in this neglected yet critical issue into today’s spotlight for discussion.

It’s a progressive step rather that ignoring JAPAN’s sad truths of ignoring mental health issues, bullying & child suicides. Better to acknowledge & confront these issues, rather than maligning potentially, ‘positive influences for change’ with the fall-back retort of “Go back to where you came from !! ” -

From reading the comments, it's clear that the solution for these athletes' mental health issues is to realize that the athletes have no value to society whatsoever, that their problems mean nothing, and that other people have it worse.

Pretty much. Yeah.

No value to society? They run around and jump and swim and people tell them that they are wonderful. Their only value to society is in letting people exist vicariously through their exploits, people who should be working on achieving something in their own life rather than having to live through a bunch of muscled oafs.

Their problems mean nothing? Nobody's problems "mean nothing", but apparently being able to run fast or jump high means that your problems are great fodder for the media and everyone loves you for being so "vulnerable" and "open".

Other people have it worse? Yeah, you could say that. People who don't get to do what they love all day every day at taxpayer expense and then be adulated for running faster and jumping higher than the average Joe, and who don't get to pull the "mental health" card with a bunch of simpering "experts" cooing over their bravery.

Life is suffering. Agree that although mental health is an issue, many young people have bought into the game to claim mental health issues by a weak, entitled and woke culture, when really all they lack is grit and an adult perspective. I’d be very wary if my kid claimed to have mental health issues as an excuse to get out of something and I think a bit of support and tough love usually is the best remedy. Certainly worked in the past.

What the West doesn’t need right now is an army of self prescribed disabled people that haven’t realized that life is tough for everyone. The Me Me generation has to grow up a bit. It’s a complex problem, but at the same time it’s a trap too.

Most people are a bit nutty anyway, one way or another, and that’s part of the fun.

These Olympic Games have highlighted crumbling in the face of pressure. They've highlighted the acceptance of giving up even before competing. Not the sports ideals I was brought up on.

Biles have enough money,for her future security ,but doesn't mean she should be criticize ,she turned a lack luster Olympic to a success

Align everything in one direction.

The athlete needs a good personal coach, not mental health prodding.

Lose the static, be focused, and allow your body to do the

thing it has trained to do, and does well enough to get you in the Olympics!

They are all winners,

wether they take a medal or not, they’ve made it there!

I'm going to tell my boss that I intend to take a month off, for which I intend to be paid in full, while I "mentally recharge my batteries" and "center myself"

Lucky you - Olympians don't get paid for the Olympics.

Lucky you - Olympians don't get paid for the Olympics.

Seriously?

I guess her and the other Olympic athletes are paying their own way, right?

I guess all her sponsorship money stops during the Olympics.

With advice like this, why does the world need mental health professionals? 

Mostly to cater to the well-off that can afford to pay for it and take time off for it.

Most of these mental health professionals hold at best 9:00 to 19:00 more likely 17:00 meaning the vast majority even if they could afford it would have to get time off from work to go.

This is the real world, not the world of the Biles and Kardashians!

BungleToday  10:47 am JST

But that is your choice surely? If my understanding is correct, you are self-employed, 

Nice try.

You forgot to mention why I am self-employed.

Because I got fired from nearly every job because as a single father and even as the husband of a wife dying from cancer, I was given the choice care for my children and dying wife and get fired or put the job first.

you are working your butt off 24/7 you either a) married to your job, b) in love with the money, c) avoiding something in your life, d) have crippling alimony, or e) have high-functioning Aspergers.

In any case, not taking holiday to which one is entitled is a lifestyle choice.

e-) yes I have ASD as does my daughter.

a,b,c,d) none of them.

You forgot F-) need to feed children, pay school, buy clothes, pay rent, buy food, pay medical bills for a child with chronic illness and a wife dying from cancer.

Life isn't always as simple and black and white as you seem to think it is.

Awwwww.... poor Olympic athletes....!

I'm sure that Biles and Osaka will just have to get some professional help with all that sponsor money they got.

No need to tell. Those involved as athletes or support staff there surely must have had quite a package of mental issues already long time before. That correlation is now only becoming a little more visible during the pandemic stress and also that stubborn insisting in continuing that virus spreading event shows it clearly to everyone.

People who thrust Olympics always insist that "this Olympics finished in success" even if it has no matter how many issue.

Actual Olympics is very political and commercially but it pretend as if it is pure sports.

Japan has their most successful Olympics and China their 2nd, and and of course this stuff pops up.

The Tokyo Olympics will always have a unique place in history as the coronavirus Games but the event has also forced the issue of mental health into the open.

Yes, the from woke to broke Olympics.

Awwwww.... poor Olympic athletes....!

I'm sure that Biles and Osaka will just have to get some professional help with all that sponsor money they got.

Exactly.

"American Public Supports Biles, Is Split on Other Olympics Issues"

https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2021/simone-biles-olympics-mental-health-1234636352/

Simone Biles’ withdrawal from the women’s gymnastics team competition and four individual events, citing mental health struggles, was met with immediate support from her sponsors. The public has her back as well. 

Sportico* surveyed more than 2,000 Americans in a partnership with Harris Poll and found that, of those who had an opinion on Biles’ decision, 84% agreed that she made the right one. Despite some dissent, support was shared by an overwhelming majority of people across age and race demographics, in addition to both political parties.

As athletes such as Biles and tennis star Naomi Osaka brought mental health issues to light this summer, most of the general public is already on board. 87% of Americans believe that a mental health illness qualifies as a medical issue or injury, and 89% view mental health concerns as either equal or more serious than physical injuries.

"Gymnast Dominique Moceanu Backs Simone Biles, Recounts Her Own Harrowing Olympics"

https://www.thewrap.com/gymnast-dominique-moceanu-backs-simone-biles-recounts-her-own-harrowing-olympics/

Dominique Moceanu, a member of the “Magnificent 7” gymnastics team that won gold for the U.S. in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics team competition, says she understands Simone Biles decision to withdraw from this year’s Olympic events for her mental health.

Moceanu empathized on social media, as she posted a video of herself in the Olympics, in which she was forced to push through a tibial stress fracture during the gymnastics team competition. The injury ultimately led Moceanu to fall directly on her head during the balance beam event.

“I was 14 y/o w/ a tibial stress fracture, left alone w/ no cervical spine exam after this fall. I competed in the Olympic floor final minutes later,” the former gymnast, posted on Twitter.

Moceanu went on to say that Biles’ right to withdraw due to health reasons was something she never felt like she could do.

“Simone Biles’ decision demonstrates that we have a say in our own health–a ‘say’ I NEVER felt I had as an Olympian,” she continued.

Commentators were quick to point out that not only was Moceanu made to compete despite her injury, but that no doctors or coaches really checked on her to make sure she was okay.

“I’m certain you noticed the sharp contrast between Marta’s [Karoyli] reaction to her athlete (me) and Cecile’s [the current Team USA coach Canqueteau-Landi] reaction to her athlete (Simone),” Moceanu said.

Moceanu also explained the nuances and dangers of the sport, further clarifying the importance for trainers and medical staff to listen to gymnasts and tend to their injuries, as the consequences of not doing so could be “catastrophic.”

“In our sport, we essentially dive into a pool w/ no water,” Moceanu wrote. “When you lose your ability to find the ground—which appears to be part of @Simone_Biles decision—-the consequences can be catastrophic. She made the right decision for the team & herself.”

When the going gets tough, the tough clearly go and have a little cry these days.

Lucky you - Olympians don't get paid for the Olympics.

————————-

Seriously?

Um, yeah. Don’t you understand how the Olympics work?

I guess her and the other Olympic athletes are paying their own way, right?

They have sponsorship for their brand. They get paid for that, not for the Olympics.