Mental health in sports: why open and honest conversations are vital

The mental health of athletes is a topic that has gained momentum in recent years, but much of that conversation still happens at the highest levels of sport. For many young athletes, especially those just starting to compete under intense public and performance pressure, access to mental health support remains inconsistent. 

Since 2014, CMHA’s Talk Today program has worked to close that gap. The program connects athletes with mental health education, suicide prevention training and ongoing support from CMHA branches across Canada. Through Talk Today participants are paired with a CMHA mental health coach and trained in Team Up, a suicide alertness program that teaches them how to recognize when someone may be struggling and how to respond.   

The program is delivered through 24 CMHA branches in Ontario and more than 50 CMHA divisions and branches are involved nationally. 

At CMHA Ontario, we’ve had the opportunity to support the program’s messaging and storytelling. We’ve spoken with branch leads, athletes and coaches about the impact of Talk Today. The consensus is clear: the program has had a positive impact on mental health and help seeking behaviour with partners like the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). 

“The well-being of our players is a top priority, and the Talk Today program has been instrumental in fostering a culture of support across the CHL,” said Dan MacKenzie , President of the CHL. “When young athletes are given access to mental health resources, they’re better equipped to care for themselves and look out for each other, along with loved ones. The Talk Today program continues to make a meaningful difference in each of our Member Leagues — not only by equipping our players and clubs with tools to care for themselves and others, but by helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health in hockey.”  

During Mental Health Week, we’re highlighting Talk Today as part of our campaign focused on open and honest conversations. The stories we hear from the people involved in this program consistently point to the same core truth: players want to support each other but they need the right tools and the right environment to do it. 

“What makes this program effective is that it meets players where they are, with people they can trust,” said Alexander Salomie , Talk Today program lead. “It gives them the tools to take care of their mental health the same way they do their physical health—providing support, breaking stigma, and helping create a team environment where it's okay to speak up and support one another.” 

Talk Today evaluations found: 

• 78% of Ontario Hockey League athletes and 90% of staff reported being satisfied with the program 
• 85% of athletes said they learned a “medium amount” to “a lot” about mental health 
• 83% would recommend the program to others in the league 
• 81% believe it should be mandatory for all junior hockey players 

Mental health conversations in sport are not always easy. But through programs like Talk Today, they are becoming more common, more supported and more expected. 

This progress matters. And it needs to continue. Because open and honest conversations connect us all. 

Need support? 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use: 

• Call or text 9-8-8 if you’re in crisis 
• In an emergency, call 9-1-1 
• Connect with your local CMHA Ontario branch 
• Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for 24/7 support. You’re not alone. Help is always available.