An Olympic Mindset: Simone Biles and the Importance of Prioritizing Your Mental Health
There’s no Olympic medal without an Olympic mindset. As important as your physical health is, taking care of your mental health is a crucial part of your overall well-being – and no one exemplifies this idea more than Olympian and mental health advocate Simone Biles.
After withdrawing from the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo to focus on her mental health struggles, Simone Biles is back in 2024. With her impressive team trial performance and respected status as a mental health advocate, she’s not just back in the game – she’s more iconic than ever.
Simone Biles reminds us that it’s possible to exceed expectations while also taking time off when needed. We’ll go over Simone’s story and bravery in prioritizing her own mental health, discuss the importance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and what we can learn about mental health from the star gymnast this Olympic season and beyond. Let’s dive in.
Tokyo 2020: A Stunning Twist of Events
Four years ago, Simone Biles seemed to have it all. Exceptional skill, fierce dedication, and a coveted spot on the world stage as a member of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team. But as the women’s all-around final approached, Simone shocked the world when she withdrew from the competition to focus on her mental health.
In an act of immense courage and strength, Simone backed away from the spotlight, away from the taste of success, and away from the glory of bringing home yet another Olympic medal. Facing the challenging anxiety that comes with panic attacks and “twisties,” a gymnastics term that refers to a mental block that causes a disconnect between the body and mind, Simone decided that it was time to take a break and focus on her mental health.
Through therapy, self-work, and support from her network, Simone rebuilt her love of gymnastics and her mind’s relationship with the physically and mentally demanding sport. While she acknowledges that everyone is different and there is no one-size-fits-all to managing mental health, she highlights the importance of leaning on a strong community and reaching out for help when you need it.
With the 2024 Summer Olympics only a few weeks away in Paris, Simone Biles is back to show the world that there is no shame in taking time off when you need it, proving that you can come back stronger than before, even after a break.
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Simone’s story shows us that even Olympic athletes are people who deal with the mental health challenges that come with the stresses, anxieties, and pressures of simply being human. July also happens to be National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a dedicated time to acknowledge the unique mental health challenges faced by minority communities.
According to the FDA, less than 50% of African American adults received mental health care in 2020, and Asian Americans were 60% less likely to receive mental treatment than non-Hispanic whites. Women are also twice as likely as men to experience anxiety disorders and depression.
While mental health should be a universal priority for everyone, it’s important to recognize how access to health insurance, cultural stigmas, and limited treatment options can have a disproportionate effect on marginalized communities. As a business founder or leader in your community, it’s key to promote mental health wellness and offer various tools and resources for everyone.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Beyond her medals and Olympic glory, Simone Biles achieved one other extremely important thing in her career – showing the world that it’s okay to step back and focus on your mental health, even when it seems like you’re on top of your game. By withdrawing from the 2020 Olympics instead of pushing through the finals, Simone showed the world that mental wellness is a crucial part of overall health.
Simone Biles’ withdrawal triggered a series of conversations about mental health in sports and culture, especially around the stigma of dealing with mental health challenges amidst pressure and fame. Her courageous decision to walk away and work on her mental health reminds all of us that taking breaks and slowing down is a normal part of being human – even for elite athletes.
While mental health challenges manifest themselves in different ways for everyone, it’s important to seek help if you experience things like prolonged feelings of depression, appetite or weight changes, mood or energy swings, or feelings of loneliness. There is always help available, and you are never alone.
Amidst the crazy schedules of life, remember to prioritize your own mental wellbeing by doing things like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, avoiding excessive alcohol or drug use, exercising, or finding a support group.
If you are struggling and in need of immediate help, call or text 988 to speak with a counselor.
Conclusion
Simone Biles sent shockwaves around the world when she made the brave decision to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics to focus on her mental well-being. Her choice to prioritize mental health over Olympic fame and glory was a powerful act of bravery that sparked a global discussion on the importance of mental health. She’s now back in 2024, and we’re extremely excited to cheer her on. No matter what happens in Paris, she’s a winner in our eyes.
Remember to prioritize your own mental health by taking a step back when you need to. This National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, acknowledge that not all mental health struggles are the same, and many minority communities deal with unique challenges that often go unnoticed. Take care of your mental wellness and remember that a healthy mind is key to a healthy body. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and we’re all in this together.
