Athletes That Have Overcome Mental Health Challenges
Introduction:
To the human eye, athletes appear as flawless individuals with dream-worthy physiques. However, there is an aspect of their life that many people tend to overlook - mental health. Despite their remarkable physiques, athletes are just as susceptible to mental health struggles as any other person. This article will highlight a few case studies of mental health struggles faced by athletes across all sports, actions they took to overcome it, and where they stand today following their respective battles.
Case Study 1 - Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is an Olympic swimmer who holds a grand total of 28 medals in the Olympics. Eight of these medals were ones that he earned in the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, China. Although his speed was superb, Phelps was prominently known for his versatility, as illustrated through his competition in butterfly, backstroke, and freestyle.
Battle with Mental Health:
Phelps’ battle with mental health initiated following the 2012 Olympics, where he faced anxiety and depression. During this time period, Phelps claimed that he considered suicide at some points, and the thought of taking his own life wasn’t rare.
How He Overcame the Struggles:
Phelps took action, and did something not many people are willing to do - open up and ask for help. Subsequent to requesting help from a professional, he began to engage in therapy and elaborates on his journey throughout the years. Phelps’ message to victims of mental health struggles today is to simply ask for help and to not hide struggles from everyone. Phelps went on to create the Michael Phelps Foundation, an organization dedicated to the mental health of athletes and assisting them in their journeys throughout sports.
His mental health struggles did force him to temporarily retire following the 2012 Olympics, and he prioritized self-reflection and awareness. To this day, his mental health journey still continues and he still acts as a global figure to those who are dealing with mental health struggles.
Case Study 2 - Kevin Love
Kevin Love is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Miami Heat. In 2016, he was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers who won their first championship in franchise history that year. He is a five-time all star and two-time member of the All-NBA second team. He has played alongside some great teammates including LeBron James.
Battle With Mental Health:
Love’s battle began when he started experiencing panic attacks during a game in November of 2017. After these panic attacks, he was forced to reevaluate his mental health and well-being, and this was a turning point in his life.
How He Overcame the Struggles:
Love was very open about his panic attacks and immediately searched for therapy. He encourages those who fall victim to mental health just like him to open up about their struggles and trust those around them. In March 2018, Love published an essay titled, “Everyone Is Going Through Something” in The Players’ Tribune. In his essay, he elaborates on the various pressures that athletes face throughout their careers. Love puts a focus on masculinity and societal expectations, claiming that athletes fail to open up before the external pressure they receive. Furthermore, love also founded the Kevin Love Fund which raises money to support organizations that are present in the mental health field. Since Love's openness about mental health, the NBA has implemented a support system and initiatives to assist players and promote their well-being.
Case Study 3 - Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka is a professional tennis player who has been ranked number one in singles according to the Women's Tennis Association. She is the first Asian tennis player to be ranked number one worldwide in singles. She is a four-time Grand-Slam champion, with two wins coming from the Australian Open and the other two from the US Open.
Battle With Mental Health:
Osaka’s battle with mental health began in 2021 when she revealed her introverted nature. As a result, she claimed that the external presence of cameras and media focused on her took a significant toll on her mental health. In May 2021, Osaka stole headlines when she declared that she would take part in press conferences during the French Open. After the French Open, Osaka decided to withdraw from Wimbledon and decided to take time away from tennis to prioritize her mental health.
How She Overcame the Struggles:
Osaka has been extremely truthful about her experiences and struggles with mental health. She preached the importance of mental health and well-being through her platform. In the 2020 Olympics, Osaka represented Japan but not in the way you think she would. She decided to take part in the opening Olympic ceremony by lighting the Olympic cauldron.
This decision of hers sent the message that she was prioritizing her mental health over competition at the time. Furthermore, Osaka also launched Naomi Osaka Play Academy, an organization that provides young girls with tennis opportunities. Not only that, the organization also prioritizes healthy development and mental well-being as well.
Conclusion:
Mental health predicaments are a universal complication that many individuals, not just athletes, find themselves being held hostage to. Reaching out is one of the most important actions to take if you are going through rough times mentally. You are the one to set your own standards, and the population around you doesn’t determine who you are as an individual. These athletes may have millions of followers and out-of-this-world fame, but their susceptibility to the dangers of mental health implicates the importance of trusting those around you and trusting the process through tough times.
Sources:
Cassata, Cathy. “Michael Phelps: ‘My Depression ... Is Never Going to Just Disappear.’” Healthline, Healthline Media, 17 May 2022, www.healthline.com/health-news/michael-phelps-my-depression-and-anxiety-is-never-going-to-just-disappear.
Jarocha, Timothy. “Kevin Love Opens up about His Struggle with Anxiety - You Got This.” Child Mind Institute, 19 May 2023, childmind.org/blog/nba-star-kevin-love-opens-up-about-his-struggle-with-anxiety/.
Love, Kevin. “Everyone Is Going through Something: By Kevin Love.” The Players’ Tribune, The Players’ Tribune, 28 Feb. 2022, www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something.
Michael Phelps Calls for More Progress with USOPC, Mental Health ..., www.si.com/olympics/2022/10/10/michael-phelps-mental-health-advocacy-sports-nft-cover. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
Osaka, Naomi. “Naomi Osaka: ‘It’s O.K. Not to Be O.K.’” Time, Time, 8 July 2021, time.com/6077128/naomi-osaka-essay-tokyo-olympics/.
Taking Some Time: Naomi Osaka, Mental Health, and You, www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-news-blog/mental-health/taking-some-time-naomi-osaka-mental-health-and-you. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.