U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) star Crystal Dunn recently shared her candid thoughts on the importance of mental health, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles faced by professional athletes.
In an interview with ESPN, Dunn emphasized that mental well-being is just as crucial as physical fitness, especially in the high-pressure world of sports.
Reflecting on the past, Dunn noted that during the 1990s and early 2000s, discussions around mental health were scarce, with limited avenues for people to express their struggles.
Today, however, there is a growing awareness and acceptance of mental health as an essential aspect of overall well-being.
“I think the world is catching onto the fact that we are human beings first,” Dunn said. “Mental health is such a big topic nowadays, and I’m so happy it is. People often think we just hop out of bed, drive to training, and everything is all good. But the reality is, there are many days when I’m struggling—struggling to find my identity as a player, as a mom, and in taking on new roles. Sometimes, you get lost.”
Dunn’s remarks resonate with the broader conversation around mental health in sports, where athletes are increasingly speaking out about the pressures they face.
The perception that athletes lead glamorous lives can obscure the reality that they, too, deal with “real-life” problems, similar to anyone else.
Dunn shared her coping mechanisms for maintaining mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and celebrating personal achievements.
“It’s really important that we all take time to give ourselves grace, pat ourselves on the back. One thing I have been doing as I grow older is celebrating myself,” she said.
Dunn’s openness about her mental health challenges echoes the sentiments of other athletes like Michael Phelps, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist, who has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
Phelps, like Dunn, stresses the importance of mental conditioning alongside physical training.
As Dunn and the USWNT look ahead to future challenges, including the 2027 World Cup, they remain committed to not only improving their performance on the field but also ensuring their mental health is in check.
Dunn’s journey serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes face difficulties, and prioritizing mental well-being is key to overcoming them.
