Table 4.

Domain 3: Adaptive and maladaptive processes of recovery.

Categories and Themes and No. of participants disclosing the theme
Category 1: The experience of maladaptive coping responses and the perceived barriers to recovery
Isolating self from social support (6/8)
Using alcohol to gain temporary relief and to both avoid depression and associated emotions (5/8)
Lack of available psychological support or understanding of depression from others (4/8)
Not being listened to and the lack of collaboration in first experience of treatment (4/8)
Dealing with publicity and the continued expectations from elite sport (4/8)
Overtraining interpreted as self-harm (3/8)
Category 2: Adaptive processes and turning points in recovery
Separate from elite sport environment to understand depression and embark on self-discovery (6/8)
Channeling sporting will to win and personal agency toward a high level of commitment to recovery (6/8)
Experiencing acceptance and expressing real self in therapeutic relationship (5/8)
Support from significant other, recognizing depression and developing hope (4/8)
Category 3: The process of recovery and the transitions within the self
Being less defined by sport, broadening identity, and adopting self-care (5/8)
Developing intrinsic motivation an internal locus of evaluation and falling in love with sport again (5/8)
Coming out and gaining self-acceptance in sport and society as central to healing and recovery (4/8)