10 Athletes Who Defied Stigma And Opened Up About Their Struggles With Mental Health

10 Athletes Who Transformed Their Mental Health Challenges into Triumphs

Mental health knows no boundaries, it touches the lives of individuals from all walks of life, including some of the world's most accomplished athletes. These exceptional individuals have harnessed their platforms to illuminate their own battles with mental health issues, effectively dismantling the stigma surrounding this crucial topic. In this article, we will acquaint you with ten such athletes who have fearlessly shared their personal encounters with depression, anxiety, and various challenges. Their stories underscore a powerful message: even the most resilient individuals can confront mental health struggles head-on.

1. Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka's recent withdrawal from the French Open sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The 23-year-old, ranked as the No. 1 female tennis player globally, made the tough decision to step away from the tournament after being slapped with a $15,000 fine for skipping a press conference. In her heartfelt Instagram post, Osaka bravely disclosed her ongoing battle with anxiety and depression, which has haunted her since her controversial victory over Serena Williams at the 2018 US Open. This move sheds light on the mental health struggles many athletes face and highlights the importance of self-care and support in their journey.

2. Michael Phelps

The legendary Olympian with a record-breaking medal tally, has been candid about his battles with mental health, substance misuse, and depression. Following his second DUI charge in 2014, he disclosed his struggle with suicidal thoughts in the HBO Sports documentary "The Weight of Gold." Phelps even sought help at a rehabilitation center. He's now the spokesperson for the therapy app TalkSpace and emphasizes the significance of exercise in managing mental health. In a recent interview with Insider, he acknowledged that the pandemic had taken a toll on his mental well-being, offering comforting words to others facing similar challenges, reminding them they're not alone.

3. Serena Williams

Serena Williams, the tennis legend, hasn't shied away from discussing her own mental health battles. In 2018, at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, she faced a tough time on the court, losing three straight sets in just 52 minutes. What made it even more challenging was her recent experience with postpartum depression after giving birth to her daughter, Olympia. Serena openly shared her feelings on social media, admitting to moments when she felt like she wasn't being a good mom. She emphasized the importance of communication with loved ones, as it helped her realize that her emotions were entirely normal during this period.

4. Aly Raisman

Aly Raisman, a six-time Olympic medalist and a survivor of the abuse perpetrated by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar has been candid about her struggles with anxiety and her journey towards healing. Following her retirement from gymnastics in January 2020, Raisman has become a strong advocate for mental health and trauma recovery. In an interview with Hoda Kotb on "Today," she shared her experiences, emphasizing the ups and downs of life. Raisman has actively engaged in therapy and self-reflection, continually working on herself to find moments of positivity and self-assurance. Larry Nassar's sentencing in 2018 marked a significant moment in the reckoning for the abuse endured by over 100 women, bringing Nassar to justice for his heinous actions.

5. Ronda Rousey

Professional wrestler Ronda Rousey opened up about her darkest moments following her UFC 193 loss to Holly Holm in 2015. During an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres' show in 2016, Rousey shared her emotional turmoil, admitting that, having lost both her father and grandfather to suicide, she felt like she was "nothing" without her championship status. Her determination to overcome those thoughts was fueled by the presence of her partner, Travis, whom she saw in the medical room, prompting her to say, "I need to have his babies. I need to stay alive." Rousey also advocated for erasing the stigma around discussing suicide, emphasizing the importance of seeking help without shame.

6. DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan, the NBA sensation, took to Twitter in February 2018, openly sharing his battle with depression. He humbly acknowledged that, no matter how tough we might seem on the outside, we're all human deep down, with our own feelings and struggles. DeRozan later elaborated in an interview with the Toronto Star, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their stature or background. His words serve as a reminder that empathy and kindness should be extended to everyone we encounter, reflecting the true essence of being human.

7. Amanda Beard

The four-time Olympic medalist bared her soul in her memoir, "In the Water They Can't See You Cry." From her debut at the Olympics at just 14, she openly shared her battle with depression, poor self-image, and self-harm during her years in the spotlight. Beard candidly discussed her struggles with an eating disorder and self-esteem issues. Despite her achievements, she faced harsh criticism from sportswriters, which fueled negative self-talk. The pressure to perform led her to battle bulimia. In 2013, after an impressive 17-year career, Beard decided to retire from the sport, a decision that reflected her journey towards self-acceptance.

8. Kevin Love

In his candid essay penned for The Players' Tribune in 2020, NBA star Kevin Love bared his soul about his harrowing journey through depression and mental health challenges. During his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he endured multiple injuries, Love felt like he had lost his identity and emotional refuge. Social anxiety had him confined to his apartment, making it seem like a never-ending midnight on a deserted island. But with the support of close friends, therapy, and medication, Love found a path to recovery. His message: You're not alone, and it does get better, is a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with mental health issues.

9. Abby Wambach

A soccer legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Abby Wambach, opened up about her battles with addiction and mental health. In her memoir, "Forward," she bravely recounts her struggles with prescription pain pill misuse and alcohol abuse, culminating in a DUI arrest in April 2016. These challenges left her facing an existential crisis as she neared the end of her storied career. Today, Wambach celebrates five years of sobriety and has found happiness in her marriage to "Untamed" author Glennon Doyle. By sharing her story, she's shown that discussing mental health is crucial, offering support and understanding to those who may feel alone in their struggles.

10. Allison Schmitt

Four-time Olympic gold medalist, swimmer Allison Schmitt, has shared about her battle with depression, and she credits fellow Olympian Michael Phelps for encouraging her to speak out. In a 2018 interview with USA Swimming, Schmitt emphasized that living with depression is an ongoing journey, dispelling the misconception that it can be instantly overcome. Seeking professional help, including therapy, was a turning point in her life, and she recalled a touching moment when Phelps noticed her struggles and offered his support. With the guidance of her psychologist, Schmitt has learned to cope and find moments of respite, illustrating that persistence pays off in the battle against mental health challenges.