Table 3.

Domain 2: The manifestation of symptoms of depression.

Categories and Themes and No. of participants disclosing the theme
Category 1: Initial manifestation of depression in training and competition
Continued competing at an elite level without initial impact on ability to function (7/8)
Inaccurate self-understanding and insight about depression (7/8)
Gaining temporary relief and avoiding depression symptomology through participating in sport (6/8)
A lack of enjoyment derived from sport and a sense of going through the motions (4/8)
Early experience of depression temporarily spurts a push into sport orientated determination and overtraining (3/8)
Category 2: Initial manifestation of depression outside of training and competition
Early depression symptoms more apparent away from sporting environment (5/8)
Relationship breakdowns in sport and broader life (5/8)
Category 3: The development of depression both in and outside sport
Natural self-critique turns to global negative self-evaluations (7/8)
Shame and hiding depression/vulnerabilities from coaches/opponents/teammates (6/8)
Depression intensifying and the inability to keep hiding depression in competition (6/8)