as a recent of death Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss call more attention to how dangerous depression I am an Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps Talks about his own struggle with depression and why everyone should be a priority mental health.
talk to TODAY.comPhelps said of his depression, “I could put on a happy face in public, but behind closed doors I was having meltdowns that no one knew about.”
He struggled quite a bit and took a long time to go to therapy. Phelps explained how, “I think being a male athlete I felt like I had to be big and macho and tough.” We’re taught to pack things in, and sharing emotions is a sign of weakness.”
The father of three continued, “I was ashamed of what I had gone through and what I felt. I also felt trapped and had no one to open up to.”
with his wife Phelps, Nicole Johnsontalked a lot about what a spouse is family They experience it when someone they love is dealing with severe depression.
In 2021, as Johnson saw Vanessa Bryant deal with of death kobe bryant and her daughter Gianna, she realized she could not be Phelps’ therapist. He needed outside help.
Bryant said today“After Vanessa[Bryant]lost Kobe, all I could do was look at Michael and say, ‘Can you help me?’
she continued. I can be his therapist. I can be what he needs. But what I’ve learned is that you can’t make yourself understand how they feel, no matter how badly you want to.
Today, Phelps advocates for mental health and encourages people to treatmentHe told TODAY.com, “I’ll be the first to admit I was scared as hell when I first went…”
But it was worth it. “I don’t know if I would be here today if I hadn’t allowed myself to be vulnerable. You have to give it a chance,” he concluded.
