Discovering that even sports stars face mental health challenges can be empowering for many individuals struggling with their own mental well-being. Athletes like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Lindsey Vonn, Michael Phelps, Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Hope Solo, and Mardy Fish have bravely spoken out about their battles with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Their openness not only reduces stigma but also highlights the importance of seeking help and prioritizing mental wellness. By sharing their stories, these sports icons encourage others to acknowledge their struggles and seek the support they need to overcome them.
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If you’re looking for inspiration or reassurance on your mental health journey, these athletes’ stories serve as a reminder that you’re not alone and that it’s okay to reach out for help.
Ricky Williams : I was 23, a millionaire and had everything, yet I was never more unhappy in my life. I felt extremely isolated from my friends and family because I couldnāt explain to them what I was feeling. I had no idea what was wrong with me.
Delonte West : Itās been haunting me my whole life, self-destructive behavior. When everything is on the upside, Iām feeling the worst.
Ronda Rousey : I did a whole lot of crying, isolating myself. Time is a great teacher, and time passes, even bad times.
Amanda Beard : In The Water They Canāt See You Cry. Know that youāre not alone, there are millions of people across the nation and the world who are experiencing the same things that you are.
Viktor Axelsen : A lot of people don’t come forward and don’t see it or they think that it is a thing where they need to hide it. But I think you don’t have to hide anything about it. It is important.
Charlotte Worthington : I totally lost balance of where it was fun and positive. You should be stoked on what you do, and be proud of yourself, and it was the opposite of that. Nothing was ever good enough and I was looking outside of myself a lot for approval.
Ronnie O’Sullivan : Its not something I can predict or control, but I try to mange it as best I can. I just cant get my cue out when I feel like this and think this is whats best for me right now.
Michael Phelps : If someone wants to call me weak for asking for help thats their problem. Because its save my own life.
Serena Williams : I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal.
Mardy Fish : To show weakness we’re told in so many words is to deserve shame. Bit I am here to show weakness. And I am not ashamed.
Dak Prescott : If i wouldn’t have talked about those things to the people I did, I wouldnt have realised my friends and a lot more people go through them and they are as common as they are.
Kevin Love : Mental health is an invisible thing but it touches all of us at some point or another. Its part of life.
Hope Solo : It took putting one foot in front of the other every single day to get through it to the point where I made it back on the team and won a gold medal in 2008.
Naomi Osaka : Its ok not to be ok.
Simone Biles : I say put mental health first. Because if you dont then you’re not going to enjoy your sport and you’re not going to succeed as much as you want to.
Mark Cavendish : I was somebody before who didnt reallt believe mental health problems were a thing. The irony that I suffered was such a good thing because it meant I could personally talk about the fact it was real.
Chloe Kim : I was so burnt out I just couldn’t do it anymore. I felt a little lost. I was in a pretty low and dark place. I just wanted a day where i was left alone. And its impossible.
Justin Duchscherer : I felt like a total failure. I felt like, i cant stay healthy enough to perform, so im not doing my job and I failed at my marriage. I started to get into a lot of negative thought patterns.
Lindsey Vonn : I feel like honestly everyone should have a therapist. It should be like having a dentist or going to a paediatrician. We should all take mental health seriously and do our best every day to make sure we’re talking care of it.
If you have any media enquiries or would like to book Keith for one of his body positivity talks please get in touch here
The Endless Spiral 