October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, a global reminder of the importance of protecting and promoting mental well-being for all. To support this mission, the EJU e-Platform is offering free access to the course Mental Health – Basic Qualification. This online programme provides valuable insights into understanding, supporting, and strengthening mental health, both on and off the tatami. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow.
Good mental health and well-being are not fixed states but part of a continuous experience. We all have days, weeks, or months when we feel strong, resilient, and optimistic, regardless of what life brings. At other times, those feelings can shift, and we may struggle with confidence, motivation, or balance in certain areas of our lives. For around one in four people, these challenges can begin to significantly affect how we think, feel, and act, impacting relationships, work, social connections, physical health, and self-worth. When this happens, it may develop into a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or substance misuse. Ultimately, mental health is a positive, dynamic concept, central to the social and emotional well-being of both individuals and communities.
The United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Sport for Development and Peace defines sport as all forms of physical activity that promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and social interaction. Participation in sport enhances mental health by reducing depression, anxiety, and isolation, while building self-esteem, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience. As highlighted in the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Report (2022), sport-based programs, such as a Hong Kong study involving over 600 students, demonstrate measurable gains in well-being, self-efficacy, and resilience. A powerful, destigmatising, and strengths-based approach, sport empowers both elite and non-elite athletes to develop life skills, manage mental health challenges, and strengthen community well-being.
Sign up to EJU’s free e-Platform now and join the movement for mental well-being in sport!
Author: Szandra Szogedi