Our quadrennial obsession with the summer Olympics is upon us. Even with viewership down for the Covid-delayed Tokyo games, about 10 million tuned in each night to watch these spectacular athletes. In their entirety, the French games are likely to bring in billions of viewers. We love celebrating these athletes. Undoubtedly, audiences tune in to watch who wins a race or stick a landing, but what about watching to remind ourselves that we can do hard things emotionally? As a former athlete and current psychologist treating the growing number of folks impacted by the “loneliness epidemic,” we have a lot to learn about mental health from the Olympians we will admire for their physical aptitude.

Loneliness is deeply connected to avoidance, specifically avoiding discomfort. In my work with clients, I often see the links between an inability to tolerate discomfort and increased loneliness. Limiting our exposure to painful experiences is built into modern-day living. Emotional discomfort is also avoided at all stakes. We lack a basic skill set to handle life’s inevitable challenges. Our youth seem to hide from difficult experiences actively—teens don’t drive, and Gen Z doesn’t have sex. This type of cowering at life’s difficulties is unheard of in elite athleticism. Facing adversity head-on is the norm for our beloved Olympic athletes.

The 1996 Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta, Georgia, offering a slogan for........

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