Sports play a vital role in promoting mental health and emotional well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity, especially through organized sports, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress while enhancing self-esteem, cognitive function, and overall mood. Team sports foster social interaction, cooperation, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for psychological resilience. Individual sports, on the other hand, improve self-discipline, focus, and emotional regulation. This paper explores the bidirectional relationship between sports and mental health, highlighting both the preventive and therapeutic roles of physical activity in mental health management. It also addresses challenges such as performance pressure, burnout, and the need for psychological support in competitive sports environments. The findings suggest that integrating sports into mental health strategies can significantly contribute to holistic well-being and social inclusion.

Sports, Mental Health, Physical Activity, Depression, Anxiety, Self-esteem