SINGAPORE: A recent study has found that Singapore’s national athletes experience high levels of poor mental health — comparable to both the general population and their Western counterparts.

A total of 356 athletes across various sports took part in the study, published in the Singapore Medical Journal on Tuesday (Aug 5).

The findings challenge the belief that participation in sports builds resilience, said observers.

ATHLETES AT RISK

According to the study, nearly 70 per cent of athletes reported elevated levels of athlete-specific psychological strain.

Around 41 per cent experienced clinically significant depressive symptoms, while about 18 per cent reported moderate to severe anxiety.

In addition, 16 per cent of participants were suspected to have disordered eating — a range of

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