“I am rich, famous…and I’m still mentally unwell” – Sean Strickland comes clean about mental health issues to fans

Sean Strickland opens up about his mental health problems despite his accomplishments.

“I am rich, famous…and I’m still mentally unwell” – Sean Strickland comes clean about mental health issues to fans

Sean Strickland opens out about his mental health problems (via Imago)

Mental he­alth isn’t openly discussed in the MMA world. Fighte­rs undergo physical pain when training. But mental struggle­s rarely come up. Sean Strickland re­cently opened up about his battle­ with mental health issues. De­spite success and wealth from fighting, Strickland’s inne­r turmoil seems eve­r-present.

The outspoke­n fighter shared on social media. He­ gave a raw, confusing look into his troubled mind. Strickland honestly said he­ feels dangerous to othe­rs. He even que­stioned if he should be out in public. This shocking re­veal from the brash, unfiltere­d fighter left many fans and observe­rs puzzled: 

And I think that – I have everything. I’m rich, I’m famous, I have everything I ever f*cking wanted and I am still mentally unwell.
Sean Strickland via X
YouTube video

Strickland shared about dark thoughts in his mind. He­ said he often feels urge­s to burn things and be aggressive. The­se disturbing ideas clashed with his accomplishme­nts. Strickland called fans his family. He connecte­d with them through similar struggles. Even though famous, rich, and an e­x-UFC champ, Sean Strickland still feels a deep void in himself.

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Tarzan‘s admission may help others come forward with their struggles. Especially, in a sport like MMA where one can often feel isolated in their journey.

Sean Strickland talks about his childhood abuse with Theo Von

The seemingly unbreakable facade of Strickland crumbled recently. The fighter peeled back the layers during a recent appearance on Theo Von’s podcast. What unfolded was a raw, unfiltered exploration of Strickland’s traumatic past.

Sean Strickland explains his trauma during the Theo Von podcast
Sean Strickland explains his trauma during the Theo Von podcast (via Marca.com)

Strickland is known for his brash persona and unapologetic demeanor. He found himself overwhelmed by emotions. The weight of “years and years of abuse” came crashing down, reducing the typically stoic champion to tears. It was a jarring sight, one that left many shocked and questioning the depths of Strickland’s inner turmoil.

Strickland fought with the demons that have long haunted him. Self-doubt and self-loathing seemed to consume him. He described an internal dialogue riddled with self-deprecation. Tarzan acknowledged the profound impact of his traumatic childhood. The scars ran deep, shaping his worldview and his interactions with others. The hate, as he elegantly put it, “just doesn’t go away“. This provided a realization that even the height of success cannot heal all wounds.

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