“Weight lifted off my shoulders,” George Russell opens up about seeing a psychologist after enduring mental struggles in F1
George Russell confessed about the reason behind seeking professional help.
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George Russell
George Russell is an exciting talent in Formula 1. George delivered some impressive performances in his F1 career and impressed the paddock. More recently, Russell outperformed the 7-time F1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton as a teammate at Mercedes. Although, this does not mean that all has been well and good for the British driver. Russell has suffered through a few low points in his F1 career, affecting his mental health.
George Russell recently appeared in a video for Men’s Health UK. The British driver talked about mental health and its stigma among many in the population. George mentioned how the F1 driver only cared for his mental health for the last two years. Russell said, “I haven’t always been in tune with my mental health. I only started getting into it about a year and a half, two years ago.”
Additionally, George Russell informed the viewers about his decision to talk to a professional for his F1 performances. Russell continued, “I started speaking with a psychologist. Mainly for my on-track personal performance.” George opened up about the benefits of these sessions. He said, “It was only through those conversations that I felt like this has given me more than just the on-track benefits… Feeling better about myself. Feeling like there’s been a weight lifted off my shoulders.”
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George Russell talks about the stigma around mental health
George Russel was perplexed to see how a vast number of men still refuse to seek help for mental health. The Mercedes driver said, “I’m really not sure why so many men still see mental health as a weakness.” Russell elaborated further on the thinking of the so-called ‘alpha males’ of society. He said, “I think we have so much pride in men about being strong and any difficulties, we try and push aside. And power through.”
The British driver mentioned the need to change this mindset. George Russell said, “I feel like this is where we need to try and turn this tide. There’s nothing to be ashamed about, talking about something.” Russell remarked that people would be astonished to see the difference talking about mental health can make to any individual. He said, “I think so many men would be surprised by the results.” Sebastian Vettel has also advocated for mental health in the past.
George Russell sought professional help after a major F1 crash
George Russell confessed what made the British driver seek professional help. Russell replied, “The moment when I thought I need to seek some professional help was when I had a really difficult race.” The British driver described the crisis he was in which led to talking to a psychologist. He continued, “I had a crash, it was a very low point in my career and I thought I can just pick myself up… But we decided to speak to a professional.”
The Grand Prix winner stated his appreciation for being given this recommendation. George Russell said, “I was so grateful that I was advised to do that.” Russell even spoke about the change he felt after his first session. He said, “I came away from that conversation and that meeting feeling so much better about myself.” George even mentioned the feeling of rejuvenation after the conversation. He continued, “I was ready to attack the rest of the day, rest of the week.”
Thus, George Russell is aware of the importance of mental health. Every sportsperson or even a fan must pay attention to their mental health as it can truly make or break a person. Russell’s experience after speaking with a psychologist is proof of the kind of influence, professional help can have on a person. Hence, many would hope to see more drivers working toward breaking the stigma around mental health.
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