ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes key take home messages about MH in the form of five postulates. (1) We still do not quite grasp the nature of MH in elite sport. Many definitions of MH have been put forth across time and fields, and some are ill aligned with the nature of elite sport. (2) The initiation of MH programs should not have to rely on tragic incidents. What does it take for sport organizations to take MH seriously? (3) Mental health is deeply contextualized. As alluded to above in our discussion of definitions, how MH is understood and fostered varies depending on contexts as race, gender, national, political, and sport-specific contexts. (4) There is no “one size fits all” approach to organizing MH services across countries. In our view, a focus on MH is key in any sound sport system, and sport organizations have a responsibility to create elite sport environments that support athlete MH. (5) Leadership is key to securing MH resources and athlete retention. We advocate for clear MH leadership and a MH officer (MHO). The main functions of a MHO are to support athlete MH, which includes designing, implementing, and evaluating a structure or system for MH promotion and mental illness prevention and treatment.
