Awareness of mental health has become ever more important in recent years. People all around the world are becoming wiser in regards the impact mental health has on individuals and what can be done to improve it. Mental health can affect anybody, and it can be difficult for many people to come to terms with issues such as depression and anxiety. Professional athletes who have suffered with their mental health in the past are beginning to open up and share their stories on social media. Athletes are role models for many of us and by telling their story, they’re hoping that this will encourage others to be brave and speak to somebody if they are struggling.
Professional athletes are constantly in the spotlight and are idolised by many because of their athletic abilities. We praise athletes when they perform well and criticise them when they make mistakes. Many people assume athletes who are well paid and at the top of their sport are happy all the time. This is not the case and athletes are just as likely to suffer from everyday mental health issues. Athletes Michael Phelps, Demar DeRozen and Serena Williams are some who have spoken out about their issues with mental health.
Michael Phelps is the most accomplished Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals to his name. However, soon after his retirement in 2016, he opened up about his battles with depression. Phelps contemplated suicide following his second DUI arrest in 2014. On completion of his therapy sessions, Phelps said the following. “Once I started talking about my struggles outside the pool, the healthier I felt. Now I have kids and adults come up to me and say they were able to open up because I was open about my life.” NBA player Demar DeRozen opened up in 2018 about his struggles with depression and anxiety. DeRozen said “no matter how indestructible we look like we are, we’re all human at the end of the day.”
Serena Williams is arguably the most successful female tennis player of all time having won 23 grand slams. Due to her medical history, Serena nearly died while giving birth to her daughter Olympia. Despite her difficulties, she returned to tennis, got to the Wimbledon final where she was defeated by the now 3-time grand slam winner Angelique Kerber. As a result of her rigorous training schedule, she felt like she was not around her daughter as much as she would want. Serena posted this on Instagram: “whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art. You are the true heroes. I’m here to say: if you are having a rough day or week — it’s ok — I am, too!!!”
Mental health is no joke and awareness of it needs to continue in today’s society. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a student or have a 9 to 5 job, it is okay to ask for help.
Beyond Sport 