Mind Game: An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes

by Julie Kliegman

A deep look into how even the best athletes struggle with and persevere through mental illness. In growing numbers, athletes are speaking up about their struggles with mental illness—including high-profile stars such as Michael Phelps, Kevin Love, Simone Biles, and Naomi Osaka. More disclosures are surely on the way, as athletes recognize that their openness can help others and inspire those around them. In Mind An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes, Julie Kliegman offers insight into how elite athletes navigate mental performance and mental illness—and what non-athletes can learn from them. She explores the recent mental health movement in sports, the history and practice of sport psychology, the stereotypes and stigmas that lead athletes to keep their troubles to themselves, and the ways in which injury and retirement can throw wrenches in their mental states. Kliegman also examines the impacts of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and more, with a keen eye toward moving forward with acceptance, progress, and problem-solving. Featuring insightful interviews with Olympians Chloe Kim, McKayla Maroney, and Adam Rippon, NBA players Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan, former U.S. Open tennis champ Bianca Andreescu, and many other athletes and experts, Mind Game breaks down the ongoing, heartening movement of athletes across sports coming forward to get the care they need and deserve—and to help others feel safe opening up about their struggles, as well.

Genres: Sports

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2024

About the author

Julie Kliegman is a writer and editor. Previously, she was the copy chief for Sports Illustrated and a copy editor at The Ringer. Her writing on a wide variety of topics has appeared in outlets including Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post, The Ringer, Bookforum, Vulture, BuzzFeed, Vox, The Verge, Bustle, Washington Monthly, The Week, and more. She lives in Queens, New York.

Reviews

[Anny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A painstakingly investigated look into the state of the mental health of top athletes. Kliegman spoke to a wide array of athletes, coaches, psychologists, and academics to see how the pressures of sports affect the minds of the stars whom we deify until they show any sign of being human. I particularly appreciated the intersectional lens, with details of how an athlete's specific background, such as race or gender identity, may have contributed to their own struggles.

To me, what sets Mind Game apart was the human touch that the author advocates is essential for these athletes. Throughout the book, Kliegman weaves in occasional details of her own experience as a former athlete, as well as instances in her research where she hit an oversight (such as noticing her sources were overwhelmingly white men before trying to rectify it). These accounts, along with the robust reporting, result in a highly informative but also relatable and entertaining read.

[Howard Megdal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Kliegman has written a book that should be must-reading for anyone associated with the field of athletics, from players to coaches to GMs to owners. For the first time, an understanding of both how we've come to understand the science of mental illness in athletes, to never before reported accounts from countless athletes themselves on living it, are in one place for us to learn and understand this vital topic. With a trenchant introduction from Layshia Clarendon to a gripping chronological account from Kliegman, you'll never look at sports the same way again, in the best possible ways.

[Jeff Wait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-researched. Lots of good anecdotes mixed with studies. Really spans the gamut of what athletes deal with and have dealt with for quite some time, while also highlighting the brave athletes who have spoken about their mental health struggles. And it also gives an honest look at treatment. It isn’t easy or fool-proof but it’s doable. Great for athletes and those who appreciate them.

[Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for an essay for a class I am in. The content was super interesting and insightful, but the writing did not hold my attention very well. I will say, however, that if you are at all trying to work in the sports industry or are an athlete, then this certainly is an important read!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and was impressed by the breadth and variety of people who were interviewed and included. Mental health is so important for all of us, and to see the impact it can have on elite athletes brings it to life in a new way.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

read for class but still interesting