Mindset & Momentum: What Wimbledon and the Women’s Euro Teach Us About Mental Health

This summer, two major sporting events, Wimbledon 2025 and the UEFA Women’s Euro, are drawing global attention. Beyond the athletic brilliance, what stands out are the quieter human stories: of resilience, pressure, identity, and vulnerability.

These moments remind us that behind elite performance lies very real emotional strain, something many of us relate to, whether we’re in high-pressure roles or simply trying to keep up with everyday life.

Wimbledon: Performance Meets Pressure

Mental health has taken centre stage at this year’s Wimbledon. After a tough first-round loss, Alexander Zverev admitted to feeling “extremely lonely” on tour and spoke openly about needing therapy. Meanwhile, Barbora Krejcikova collapsed mid-match, highlighting the toll of extreme physical and emotional demands.

Even Coco Gauff’s early exit reminds us that mindset often matters as much as talent, and resilience is the real differentiator.

Women’s Euro 2025: The Psychology of Comebacks

In women’s football, emotional resilience is just as vital. Leah Williamson’s return after injury came with a mix of “anxiety and excitement.” She’s not alone; female athletes often face added pressures, including gender-based scrutiny and cultural expectations.

Recent research confirms that elite women in sport face distinct mental health challenges, many of which echo the experiences of women beyond sport.

From Elite Sport to Everyday Resilience

You don’t need to be an athlete to feel the pressure to perform. Many of us are managing burnout, self-doubt, and the weight of unrealistic expectations.

At EPJ Therapy, I support clients navigating:

• Career and life transitions

• Burnout and overwhelm

• Identity and self-worth issues

• Grief, both visible and invisible

Like the athletes we admire, we all need spaces to pause, reflect, and recover.

Keep Going, Gently

“A failure is not always a mistake; it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.” — B.F. Skinner

Let this season of sport remind us: mental strength isn’t about pushing harder, but about learning to listen, ask for help, and keep showing up.

If you’re ready to explore your own version of resilience, therapy might be a good place to begin.  Use the form below to get in touch.