I recently attended a sport psychology conference, and during a discussion on how the public learns about sport psychology, one answer stood out: “Ted Lasso.”
On the surface, the Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso” is about soccer. But beneath the show’s surface, it offers a nuanced exploration of athlete mental health. The show provides a multifaceted view of the psychological struggles athletes face—touching on relationship dynamics, identity challenges, anxiety, trauma, and even the role of capitalism in sports organizations. Through its nuanced storytelling, “Ted Lasso” presents valuable lessons on how to support athletes as whole individuals, not just performers on the field.
The Power of Relationships in Athlete Mental Health
One of the show’s core messages is that relationships matter. From Ted’s unwavering optimism to Sam Obisanya’s camaraderie with his teammates, the show emphasizes how positive relationships contribute to resilience and mental well-being. Research underscores this notion, with studies showing that strong social support networks can buffer athletes from stress and reduce the risk of burnout (Gustafsson et al., 2017).
Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, the team’s sport psychologist, plays a pivotal role in normalizing mental health care, reinforcing the importance of professional support. This mirrors findings that sport psychology professionals are essential in helping athletes process emotions and build effective coping strategies (Gould & Udry, 1994).
The show also illustrates how peer relationships can provide stability in high-pressure environments. The friendship between Roy Kent and Isaac McAdoo exemplifies this.
However, the series also doesn’t shy away from showing the harm of toxic relationships, like Jamie Tartt’s strained relationship with his abusive father, which significantly impacts his emotional struggles. By juxtaposing the healing power of supportive relationships with the destructive nature of dysfunctional ones, “Ted Lasso” reinforces the need for intentional community-building within sports organizations.
Identity, Race, and LGBTQ+ Representation
Athletes’ mental health is often deeply intertwined with their identities, a theme “Ted Lasso” explores with complexity. Sam Obisanya’s decision to speak out against his team’s sponsor, a corrupt oil company exploiting his home country of Nigeria, presents the internal conflict athletes face when corporate interests clash with personal values.
This storyline aligns with research that shows racial identity in athletes is frequently associated with stress and can directly affect their mental health (Stevens & Biddiscombe, 2020). Sam’s stand highlights the emotional toll activism can take on athletes, often putting them at odds with sponsors, coaches, and fans.
The show also powerfully addresses LGBTQ+ issues through the journey of Colin Hughes, a closeted gay footballer. His struggle with authenticity, fear of rejection, and eventual coming-out process sheds light on the unique pressures LGBTQ+ athletes face. Colin’s eventual relief and newfound confidence after his teammates’ supportive response emphasize the importance of inclusion for mental well-being. Research supports this, showing that inclusive environments in sports not only improve mental health but can also enhance athletic performance (Roper & Hall, 2007).
Anxiety, Trauma, and the Burden of Performance
Anxiety and trauma are prevalent in athletes, often manifesting in subtle yet profound ways. Ted Lasso’s own struggles with anxiety—manifested through panic attacks—reflect the immense pressure he faces as a coach. His initial avoidance of therapy, followed by a breakthrough when he seeks help, mirrors the stigma many athletes experience when confronting mental health challenges.
Studies show that mental health issues like anxiety and depression are common among athletes, but many avoid seeking help due to the fear of being perceived as weak (Wolanin et al., 2015). This avoidance can worsen mental health struggles, as seen in the characters of Jamie Tartt and Nate Shelley, whose unresolved trauma leads to harmful behaviors.
The show sensitively depicts the psychological toll that trauma and performance pressure can have, highlighting how unresolved issues can manifest as aggression, avoidance, or withdrawal. Ted Lasso’s journey toward seeking help underscores the importance of addressing not just physical injuries but psychological wounds as well.
The Role of Capitalism in Sports and Its Mental Health Toll
A significant theme in “Ted Lasso” is the capitalist nature of modern sports, where profit often takes precedence over the well-being of athletes. This critique is evident through characters like Rebecca Welton, who initially uses AFC Richmond as a tool for revenge rather than fostering a community, and Edwin Akufo, a billionaire whose transactional approach to sports undermines athlete welfare. These characters reflect real-world issues where athletes are treated as assets, leading to burnout, exploitation, and mental health crises.
Research supports this critique, showing that the commercialization of sports can increase stress and mental health problems among athletes (Andersen & Morris, 2016). In Sam’s sponsor controversy and Nate’s transformation under West Ham’s ruthless leadership, the show underscores how systemic structures in sports organizations can exploit athletes, exacerbating their psychological distress.
Conclusion
“Ted Lasso” teaches us that athlete mental health is influenced by many factors, including relationships, identity, trauma, and the systems that shape their lives. The show’s focus on vulnerability, the importance of support networks, and the need for institutional change challenge us to rethink how we approach mental health in sports. If we truly want to support athletes, we must see them as whole individuals—recognizing their struggles, building inclusive environments, and fostering spaces where they can thrive both on and off the field.
As research confirms, fostering inclusive, supportive environments is essential for athletes’ well-being. By championing vulnerability and promoting professional mental health care, Ted Lasso offers a timely and necessary blueprint for creating healthier, more resilient athletes (Gustafsson et al., 2017; Wolanin et al., 2015).
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