What can be done better?

Elite performers should not be ignoring the state of their mental health and, when they do recognise a problem, should not rely on informal help, through friends or family. Equally, where professional help is accessed, this should be evidence based and effective. In recent years there has been a growth in “wellbeing consultants”.  These roles however, are not regulated, may not follow training, or continue under supervision. They are thus not well placed to offer rapid recovery pathways. 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, who, having worked for at least two years in general medical settings, have chosen to specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of mental health conditions. Once they have undertaken at least eight years of post graduate training in psychiatry, and passed the examination requirements of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, they are eligible to work as a consultant. Consultants are clinical leaders who combine clinical work with management, education and research activities. They are expected to be at the cutting edge of treatment and provide the very latest in evidence based care. Having a Consultant Psychiatrist leading the treatment of a mental health condition therefore offers the greatest chance of a quick, adaptive recovery.

The evidence above however, shows that elite performers are unlikely to reach out to psychiatrists, even when they are aware that their mental health is deteriorating. Discrete, confidential access should therefore be proactively provided to elite performers before they even need it. Elite performers should also be offered the opportunity to explore their vulnerabilities and to build structures around themselves which will support ongoing, robust mental health.