Mental health issues in athletes still 'stigmatised'

There is still great stigma attached to athletes facing mental health issues, according to one sports psychologist.

Jess Brainch is a BPS Chartered Sport & Exercise Psychologist and says attitudes to sport can mean many athletes shy away from talking about issues that might be affecting them.

Sports psychology has become a key role in an athlete's development in recent years and was originally developed through coaching.

Jess says an athlete's mental wellbeing can be directly linked to their performance.

Talking about mental health issues among athletes is something that has been aided by more high-profile and well known sports personalities coming out and talking about their own experiences.

Speaking to ITV Wales, former Wales International Richard Parks told us about his own experiences with mental health issues.

The turning point for him was being told he wouldn't be able to play rugby anymore after a shoulder injury.

Recent studies have found sportsmen and women are more likely to develop a mental health issue due to the expectations and pressure to succeed and achieve.

The charity, Mind, has identified three pressure points for athletes.

• Leaving the sport

• Retiring

• Struggling in silence