“I was having meltdowns that no one knew about” – Michael Phelps reveals his emotional story about how he gathered strength against his mental health struggles


“I was having meltdowns that no one knew about” – Michael Phelps reveals his emotional story about how he gathered strength against his mental health struggles

Credits: Olympics

Michael Phelps is arguably one of the greatest Olympians to come out of the United States. He is one of the most decorated athletes in his country, having set the record for Olympic gold medals, with 28 golds across five Summer Games. He had set another record by winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, breaking American Swimmer Mark Spitz’s 1972 record.

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Mental health is one of the most critical issues that must be addressed among contemporary subjects. Regarding this, Michael Phelps has always been quite vocal. He had previously urged his fans to prioritize their mental health as an essential matter of concern, just like physical health.

In an interview with TODAY.com, Michael Phelps further opens up about his mental health condition and the struggles that he had to deal with. Through his active support and vocal outlook on the issue, he is trying to destigmatize the taboo attached to caring and concern for mental health and illnesses.

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Michael Phelps describes his experiences in dealing with mental health struggle

Michael Phelps [Credits – CNBC]

Among many other athletes, Michael Phelps has been one of the most vocal voices promoting mental well-being. He says that mental health is as much a priority as physical health. He has always urged his fans to look after their mental health and seek help whenever needed.

Once during a conversation with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Phelps remarked, “The hardest thing to understand is you can’t just put your mental health on a timeout. There are other people struggling just as much or more than [me], and we’re supposed to be the most prepared. I wanted to do whatever I could to help.”

Michael Phelps in conversation with Johnny C. Taylor [Credits – SHRM]

Once again, Michael Phelps opened up about his mental health struggles in an interview with TODAY.com. He says, “I could put up a happy face in public, but behind closed doors, I was having meltdowns that no one knew about.”

Phelps and his spouse Nicole Johnson have been vocal advocates of therapy. Phelps further admitted that it took him a long time to confront the stigma attached to this issue and seek therapy. He described this by saying, “Being a male athlete, I think felt like I had to be big and macho and tough. We’re taught to stuff things down, and that sharing feelings is a sign of weakness.”

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He further added, “I was almost ashamed of the things that I was going through and feeling. I also felt like I was trapped, and there was nobody that I could open up to.” All these issues bring to light how people, especially male athletes, are expected to be tough and cover their mental health condition with a facade. Other athletes, like Serena and Venus Williams, have admitted that they suffered from depression at one point.

The Michael Phelps Foundation, started by Phelps and his wife, Nicole Johnson, aims to destigmatize the issue of mental illness around the world. The foundation strives and aspires for everyone to have quality access and programming support as well as physical and mental well-being.

Mental health is something that should be taken seriously by everyone. It is as crucial for the human body as physical well-being and helps maintain a proper balance. Indeed, the experiences of these star athletes and their support for these issues will surely help create a more accepting society from here on forward.

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