ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of mental health literacy and how coaches can play an integral role in the overall mental health literacy of their athletes. It reviews research that has examined mental health literacy in sporting contexts, and discusses how future research and applied practice can evolve to enhance coaching to address the poor mental health of athletes. Health literacy is the capacity of individuals to obtain, process, and understand simple health information that is required to make decisions to improve one’s health. The concept of mental health literacy comes directly from the existing research base that has developed the field of health literacy. Coaches, being foundational in the establishment of team motivational climates, need to create inclusive environments where individuals can discuss their poor mental health, have positive attitudes toward treatment, and seek support when they need it so that it ultimately helps individuals improve their mental health.
