A Silent Rival in the World of Sport: Depression
Chapter from the book: Avcı, P. (ed.) 2024. Different Dynamics in Sport Sciences-I.

Atalay Kaya
Dokuz Eylül University

Synopsis

Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that negatively affects an individual's mood, thoughts and behaviour. It causes significant problems in various aspects of life (school, work, family and social environment). Depression can be characterised by depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite and impaired concentration. The interaction of biological, psychological and social factors plays an important role in the development of depression. The disorder can be triggered by negative experiences such as unemployment, loss and bereavement, abuse and traumatic life events. These factors can disrupt the mental balance of the individual and lead to the development of depression. In addition, it can lead to loss of labour force and stress in areas such as school, work, family and social environment. Depression in sports is a psychological condition characterized by symptoms such as loss of interest in sport-related activities, low motivation, feelings of inadequacy, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite. This condition can affect both the performance and general mental health of athletes. Depression is not only a mood change but also a multifaceted condition that affects cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes. Sport-related depression can develop due to specific stressors such as competitive pressure, injury, overtraining, and withdrawal from sport. There are some aspects of depression in athletes that differ from other individuals; for example, symptoms of depression in athletes can often manifest as fatigue, loss of motivation, and burnout.

How to cite this book

Kaya, A. (2024). A Silent Rival in the World of Sport: Depression. In: Avcı, P. (ed.), Different Dynamics in Sport Sciences-I. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub639.c2720

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Published

December 30, 2024

DOI